The Institute of Cancer Research

The Translational Cancer Genetics Team aims to translate laboratory findings in genetic predisposition to cancer, to the clinic. The focus is on predisposition to prostate and breast cancers. The laboratory component of the research programme involves the search for prostate cancer predisposition genes and studies of the molecular changes in familial and early onset prostate cancer. There is also a laboratory programme in the molecular aspects of predisposition to breast cancer relevant to clinical practice.

The clinical component of the research encompasses targeted screening, prevention and the application of cancer genetics to cancer management. There is close interaction with the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and in addition to studies in the management of individuals with a predisposition to breast and prostate cancer, there is a research programme in genetic counselling and integration of cancer genetics into the cancer care pathway.

We have established a clinic for the follow up and management of carriers of mutations in the genes BRCA1  and  BRCA2. These studies are in risk prediction, early detection, prevention and effect on treatment of cancer. There are also psychosocial studies conducted in collaboration with the Department of Psychological Medicine.