UKKCC Skin Cancer Atlas v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
UK Keratinocyte Cancer Collaborative - Generating a Molecular Atlas for Skin Cancer
IRAS ID
295350
Contact name
Charlotte Proby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
19 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
This project aims to create a sustainable, UK-wide, collaborative research network building a bioresource of skin cancer samples with the relevant governance and procedures to collect and retain biomaterial and linked clinical data to support research. The initial project is a study of gene expression and immunological mechanisms in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) involving state-of-the-art molecular analyses and bioinformatics. These data will initiate a molecular 'Atlas' for this poorly understood, yet very common, skin cancer. The Biobank will be a 'virtual' bioresource within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Tissue Biorepository (TBR) with pseudonymised pathological and clinical information held within a secure database. Tumour samples will be identified at local NHS Trusts where patients are undergoing surgery to remove large (>2 cm diameter) skin tumours. Fresh tumour tissue and surplus normal skin will be sent to Cambridge pathology laboratory for molecular analyses (Local PI: Dr Stephen Smith) while representative FFPE histology slides are sent to Glasgow TBR. Tumour H&E slides will be scanned to the digital pathology platform and carefully evaluated by the study pathologists (Drs Craig, Carr and Rickaby) such that molecular findings can be related to tumour characteristics and behaviour. Essential pseudonymised clinical data will be included in the database. Archival FFPE blocks will be returned to local NHS Trusts. In this way, we will discern the role of specific genes and immune mechanisms in tumour invasion and spread. By studying cSCC from both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals, we hope to identify new immunological targets leading to development of effective immunotherapies for immunosuppressed patients, as well as for the general population. This proposal will establish the feasibility of this approach and will build a cooperative network of contributing pathologists and clinicians. The molecular findings will underpin future funding applications for potentially a multitude of follow-on research initiatives.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0073
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion