Translational Research > Lung Cancer

The Liverpool Lung Project (LLP) is the largest prospective population-based study in lung cancer in Europe and among the four major lung cancer studies worldwide. It was initiated in 1998, funded by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and hosted by the University of Liverpool, led by Professor John K Field. One of the main reasons to launch this study in Liverpool is that this city has the unfortunate privilege to be as one of the lung cancer capitals of Europe. The aim of the LLP is to reduce lung cancer mortality by developing and implementing a molecular-epidemiological risk assessment model and markers of pre-clinical carcinogenesis. The success of the LLP programme may be measured not only by its publication record but also the ability to attract significant funding from UK (CR-UK, NIHR, PCTs), EU (FP5, FP7) and USA (NIH) as well as establishing strategic collaborations with academic and industrial partners, to undertake complementary studies in early lung cancer detection.

The current LLP objectives are: To redefine pathology of lung cancer based on its molecular signatures, determined by genome-wide expression and methylation, miRNA profiling and next generation sequencing. To prepare the next iteration of the Liverpool Lung Project Risk Assessment Model incorporating validated biomarkers and providing an improved algorithm to measure an individual’s 5-year absolute risk of developing lung cancer. To develop an early lung cancer detection biomarker roadmap which is integrated into the assessment of high risk individuals. Maintain and expand the archive of specimens for at-risk individuals and those with lung cancer for biomarker discovery and validation. Facilitate the development of new intervention strategies for high risk individuals.

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