Translational Research > Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a general name for many different, but uncommon forms of cancers. They include cancers of the mouth, lip or tongue (oral cancers), or the upper parts of the throat (larynx and pharynx).

Head and neck cancers also include some rare forms of cancer such as cancers of the salivary gland, nose, sinuses, and middle ear, and cancers of the nerves and bones of the head and neck.

Also head and neck cancer includes cancer of the thyroid (a gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism). Cancer of the thyroid is quite rare and is unlike the other cancers discussed, so it is often considered separately.

Head and Neck Cancer Research follows three main interlinked themes:

• Clinical Trials based at Cancer Research UK Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit and ECMC.

• Basic/Translational Research through Mersey Head and Neck Oncology Research Group (MHNORG).

• Clinical Research based at University Hospital Aintree.

Exisiting Research Themes

Novel methods of detection of DNA methylation.

Epigenetic determinants of malignant progression in oral dysplasia.

Surgical margin analysis using sensitive methylation assay.

Find a Researcher

The Centre brings together The University of Liverpool's basic and clinical scientists conducting dynamic interdisciplinary cancer research.

Centre Seminar Series

The Centre's seminars are held every Friday at 1pm in the Cancer Research UK Centre Lecture Theatre. All welcome to attend.

The calendar of events is regularly updated and is available for download.

Forthcoming Guest Speakers

24th FEBRUARY 2012, 1pm
Dr Miguel Martins
University of Leicester, More...

28th FEBRUARY 2012, 5.15pm
Dr Elad Katz
University of Edinburgh, More...

Postgraduate Programme

The University of Liverpool offers one of the best Ph.D. programmes in the U.K., and has been ranked 4th in a study of completion rates for Ph.D. students at universities by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Liverpool CRUK Centre Clinical Fellowship entry has closed for 2012

Centre Resources

Development Fund.

Core Facilities:

- MISSION whole genome lentiviral shRNA library.

- Technology

- Medical Statistics & Bioinformatics

Donation Station Update

	Managers from local Cancer Research UK shops have been delighted to receive more than 513 bags worth
up to £15,390. Please keep your donations coming in so we can reach our new target of 350 bags. Collection points are in the Centre's foyer, Duncan Building, and DSO office.

Patient and Public Involvement

Many patients and public members work with researcher professionals and clinicians (e.g. doctors, nurses) and get actively involved in the different stages of research and associated activities. Active involvement in clinical research is very different from being a participant in a study. Find out more.

CIMP “methylator phenotype” in HNSCC/ epigenetic determinants of metastasis.

Epigenetic silencing of HPV genome in oropharyngeal cancer.

Methylation biomarkers of HNSCC in salivary derived DNA.

Epigenetic silencing of CYGB in HNSCC. Gain-of-Function p53 mutations in laryngeal SCC.

The functional investigation of the unfolded protein response pathway in head and neck cancer cells.

The role of VEGF, MTBP, S100P, S100A4, osteopontin and AGR2 in the development of SCCHN tumour metastasis.

Next Generation Sequencing in H&N cancer.

The expression of p53 and MDM2 by human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Nutlin-3 as a radiosensitizing agent in laryngeal carcinoma cells harbouring wtp53.

HSP-90 inhibitors as radiosensitizing agents in laryngeal carcinoma cells harbouring mutant p53.

Comparative proteomic analysis of laryngeal SCC presenting with, or without, cervical lymph node metastases.

Voice outcomes after transoral laser resection of laryngeal SCC.

Cardio-pulmonary Exercise (CPX) testing as a predictor of post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing major surgery for HNSCC.

Groups specialising in this field:


Professor Terry Jones		Mr Richard Shaw		Dr Tim Helliwell