Dr Chris Jones

Translational Neuro-oncology

The primary purpose of my laboratory is to translate basic molecular pathology findings into improved clinical outcome for children with cancer. Since 2003, my laboratory has been involved in the genome-wide profiling of paediatric tumours (including Wilms tumour) linked to mechanistic and preclinical programmes in our newly-developed model systems.

Our primary focus is on supratentorial and brainstem high grade glioma, with research into these treatment-refractory tumours designed to address a clear unmet clinical need. We have carried out an extensive molecular profiling study of both primary tumours and cell lines, providing the most detailed description yet of the paediatric high grade glioma genome.

We are now systematically studying candidate genes identified in our integrated genomic studies through high-throughput functional screening, next-generation sequencing and iterative molecular cell biology approaches in order to identify the key molecular events underpinning paediatric high grade glioma development and resistance to therapy.

Dr Chris Jones and his team concentrates on scanning the genome of paediatric tumours using cutting-edge technology including the statistical modelling systems they developed as part of the research. Their aim is to find the genes that are driving development of these cancers, and those allowing the tumours to become resistant to therapy - they are now systematically studying candidate genes.

The team initially focused on Wilms tumour, the most common childhood kidney cancer, before turning their attention to an understudied and devastating brain tumour - paediatric high-grade gliomas. They have since developed the most detailed picture to date of the genome of these aggressive cancers. As these tumours are rare, Dr Jones has forged collaborations with other international organisations in order to collect samples that cover the spectrum of potential variations, and to conduct the most comprehensive possible analysis. Dr Jones’ work has already revealed some significant genetic differences between the adult and child form of the disease, and has highlighted potential new drug targets.

“There is a real unmet clinical and basic science need in this tumour type, as paediatric high grade gliomas are incredibly resistant to current treatment options, and we really know very little about the underlying biology of the disease,” Dr Jones says. ”Our ambitions within the laboratory are to turn some of our laboratory-based hypotheses into real, molecularly-based treatments for malignant paediatric gliomas, and to see, at last, real progress being made in the survival of children with these dreadful cancers.”

Dr Jones joined the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in 2001 as a Senior Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre, spending two years studying myoepithelial cells and basal-like breast cancers. Prior to this, he investigated the molecular genetics of different types of breast tumours at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at University College London. He has also studied the molecular genetics of pre-invasive breast disease at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London.

“There is no doubt as to the advantages offered by working at the ICR - the very close interactions we have with our clinical colleagues at The Royal Marsden, and the unique academic drug discovery programme embedded within the ICR itself make it an excellent place to conduct research,” Dr Jones says.

Dr Jones achieved his PhD in 1998 from the University of London, after first attaining a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Toxicology and Pharmacology. He was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2008 for his significant contribution to molecular pathology research. Dr Jones is the Translational Science Lead for international clinical trials in paediatric high grade glioma for the International Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) European Brain Tumour Group.

Dr Jones grew up in Western Australia but has lived in Texas, and he completed a research project for Sandoz Pharma in Switzerland. In his spare time, Dr Jones is a keen marathon runner and tech nerd, and enjoys nothing more than listening to new music, drinking Oregon Pinot Noir, and beating his children at FIFA’11.