Clinical Pharmacology Adaptive Therapy Group
Professor Banerji's group aims to study re-wiring of signal transduction to understand and overcome mechanisms of drug resistance and, in addition, to understand exploit cancer evolution using pharmacological tools.
We are focused on the re-wiring of signal transduction using established cell lines to control mechanisms of drug resistance and comprehend the evolution of cancer.
Rewiring of signal transduction
This group is working on the set-up and validation of a highly sensitive antibody-based assay on the Nanostring platform which will allow quantification of 50 - 100 phosphoproteins/proteins. It plans to digest tumour tissue obtained during surgery or from biopsies and expose them to a matrix of 20 - 30 anticancer drugs before obtaining phosphoproteomic data.
It also aims to use organoids and patient-derived xenografts to take this forward. The proteomic data will be modelled with the Computational Biology and Chemogenomics Team led by Professor Bissan Al-Lazikani. The group also supports PhD students studying the re-wiring of signal transduction in colon cancer and the role of stroma in influencing signal transduction.
The group also currently works with Professor Andrea Sottoriva at the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at the ICR to look at barcoding of cancer cells and the study of evolutionary trajectories of clones under experimental conditions. It is also studying mechanisms of resistance, collateral drug sensitivity and resistance of these emergent clones.
The primary area of this group is focused on the re-wiring of signal transduction using established cell lines as well as fresh cancer cells derived and isolated from patients and then exposing them to novel anticancer drugs. Pre- and post-proteomic profiling provides insights into mechanisms of drug resistance and how to overcome this with combination therapies. The initial work was carried out using cancer cells isolated from ascites and pleural effusions; the group in now developing expertise in organoid and patient-derived xenograft tissue.
The group develops its own antibody-based proteomic platforms and collaborates with teams involved in mass spectroscopic methods, led by Jyoti Choudhary. The group generates significant amounts of data and collaborates with the ICR's Computational Biology and Chemogenomics Team led by Professor Bissan Al-Lazikani to develop and decipher the data.
The secondary focus of this lab is the study of the pharmacological effects on cancer evolution in experimental models and methods to quantify this and herd cancer cells to a vulnerable state.
Professor Banerji works with Professor Andrea Sottoriva in the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at the ICR and plans to translate these concepts in to the clinic.
Vacancies at the ICR
Working at the ICR
Trial Statistician / Senior Trial Statistician
The Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR-CTSU) is recruiting to its statistical team. We want to hear from you if you: • Like the challenge of analysing clinical trial datasets and want to become part of a statistical team that is dedicated to translating cutting-edge science into quality clinical trials that can transform cancer care • Want variety in your work and opportunities to apply and broaden your statistical knowledge across a number of therapeutic areas in oncology • Like to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team with like-minded statisticians, clinical investigators, translational analysts, bioinformaticians, and trial managers. Applications are now open for a Trial Statistician/Senior Trial Statistician position to join our team of over 20 Statisticians. This post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated Statistician to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment at one of the leading UK cancer trials units. Key Requirements The successful applicant will have a post-graduate qualification in statistics or an allied field (or a first degree in statistics along with practical experience in medical statistics). Additionally, they should demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical trials and experience in applying statistical methods to real-world data. Effective oral and written communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborating with researchers from different disciplines are essential. Department/Directorate Information ICR-CTSU manages an exciting portfolio of national and international phase II and III clinical trials and an expanding number of early phase I/II cancer trials. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team on the statistical development, oversight and analysis of a number of clinical trials within ICR-CTSU’s portfolio and the ICR/Royal Marsden Drug Development Unit’s early phase trials portfolio as well as on associated trials methodology research and translational biomarker research studies. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. This is an office-based role. Requests for hybrid working (splitting time between our Sutton site and home) may be considered following successful completion of the probation period/key training and if the role allows. Flexible working options may be considered. For informal discussion about the Trial Statistician/Senior Trial Statistician post, please contact Lucy Kilburn (Principal Statistician), email: [email protected] For general queries about the recruitment process, please contact ICR-CTSU, email: [email protected].
Business Manager & Executive Assistant
About the Role We are seeking a Business Manager & Executive Assistant to join the Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging, on a fixed-term position. The successful candidate will provide highly efficient, proactive and comprehensive executive assistant and management support to aid the Head of Division in achieving their strategic and business objectives, working efficiently and effectively to enhance and support the overall Division. Key responsibilities include: Diary & Correspondence Management Servicing Meetings Travel Arrangements Operational Management Financial Management People Management Communication & Stakeholder Management About You We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented team player who will be able to make an immediate impact. Key skills and experience include: Excellent organisational, time-management and problem-solving skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Proactive with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively Experience of working under pressure with strict deadlines What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment Opportunities for professional development and career progression Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging includes the prestigious Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, and overlaps with the Joint Department of Physics, which spans The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Joanna Panayiotou via email on [email protected].
Employee Story
Dr Fatemeh Ahmadi Moughari is a bioinformatician working in the Functional Genomics Team, led by Rachael Natrajan, and the Bioinformatics Team, led by Syed Haider. She joined the ICR from her home country of Iran where she completed her PhD in anti-cancer drug response at Shahid Beheshti University.
"I really enjoy the multidisciplinary atmosphere here and it’s the thing that stood out when I first joined the ICR."
Industrial partnership opportunities with this group
Opportunity: A potent, orally bioavailable clinical-stage inhibitor of MPS1 with potential as a treatment for a range of cancer types including triple negative breast cancer
Commissioner: Swen Hoelder
