Tumour Heterogeneity: Unravelled Molecular Patterns (THUMP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Tumour Heterogeneity: Unravelled Molecular Patterns (THUMP)
IRAS ID
246409
Contact name
Miriam/F Moffatt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the lining around the lungs (Pleural mesothelioma), less frequently abdominal organs (Peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (Pericardial mesothelioma) and testes (Testicular mesothelioma). It is traditionally associated with asbestos exposure. Around 2,500 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. Most patients with pleural mesothelioma present with fluids around the lungs (Pleural effusion), which has a wide range of cancer and non- cancer causes. Early diagnosis is therefore challenging. A considerable proportion of patients cannot tolerate tissue sampling procedures (Biopsies) which not only limits treatment options, but also our understanding about the biology of the disease for the development of new ways to diagnose and treat it. As a result, mesothelioma is a significantly life- limiting condition; for an individual undergoing investigations and their relatives, the process is often physically and emotionally stressful.
Recent advances in technologies have equipped the research group at our centre with the ability to decipher genetic codes at single cell level (Single cell sequencing), using cancer cells derived from tissue or pleural fluids. This gives us unprecedented resolution in studying mesothelioma and creates opportunities in many ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment.
For example, are we able to identify unique fingerprints of mesothelioma (Biomarkers) that allow the medical team to pin down the diagnosis more confidently and quickly? Does the cancer behave differently over time (Clonal evolution) which underpins progression and resistance to treatment?
We aim to consent patients suspicious for mesothelioma for their tissue and/or pleural fluids surplus to diagnostic requirement. In addition peripheral blood samples will be obtained to characterise the immune system and response to treatment (notably immunotherapy). The samples will undergo a series of experiments with a view to answer the above questions and develop new ways to diagnose and treat the disease.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
18/NI/0113
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion