Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology and Therapeutics Group

Professor Louis Chesler’s group is investigating the genetic causes for the childhood cancers, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. 

Research, projects and publications in this group

Our group's aim is to improve the treatment and survival of children with neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma.

The goal of our laboratory is to improve the treatment and survival of children with neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, three paediatric solid tumours in which high-risk patient cohorts can be defined by alterations in a single oncogene. We focus on the role of the MYCN oncogene, since aberrant expression of MYCNis very significantly associated with high-risk in all three diseases and implies that they may have a common cell-of-origin.

Elucidating the molecular signalling pathways that control expression of the MYCN oncoprotein and targeting these pathways with novel therapeutics is a major goal of the laboratory. We use a variety of innovative preclinical drug development platforms for this purpose.

Technologically, we focus on genetically engineered cancer models incorporating novel imaging (optical and fluorescent) modalities that can be used as markers to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response.

Our group has several key objectives:

  • Mechanistically dissect the role of the MYCN oncogene, and other key oncogenic driver genes in poor-outcome paediatric solid tumours (neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma).
  • Develop novel therapeutics targeting MYCN oncoproteins and other key oncogenic drivers
  • Develop improved genetic cancer models dually useful for studies of oncogenesis and preclinical development of novel therapeutics.
  • Use such models to develop and functionally validate optical imaging modalities useful as surrogate markers of tumour progression in paediatric cancer.

Professor Louis Chesler

Clinical Senior Lecturer/Group Leader:

Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology and Therapeutics Professor Louis Chesler (Profile pic)

Professor Louis Chesler is working to understand the biology of children’s cancers and use that information to discover and develop new personalised approaches to cancer treatment. His work focuses on improving the understanding of the role of the MYCN oncogene.

Researchers in this group

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6124

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 3617

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 8722 4186

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 3501

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 8722 4361

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6118

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6021

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6196

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6258

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6121

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 8722 4527

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

OrcID: 0000-0003-3977-7020

Phone: +44 20 3437 6109

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

I obtained an MSci in Biochemistry from the University of Glasgow in 2018. In October 2018 I joined the labs of Dr Michael Hubank and Professor Andrea Sottoriva to investigate the use of liquid biopsy to monitor clonal frequency and emergence of resistance mutations in paediatric cancers.

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6358

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Phone: +44 20 3437 6131

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

Professor Louis Chesler's group have written 113 publications

Most recent new publication 4/2025

See all their publications

Vacancies in this group

Working in this group

Application Developer

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
  • £39,805 - £49,023
  • Fixed term

Summary of Role We would like to appoint an Application Developer to be responsible for the software development of a Greener Trials Toolkit. The Toolkit will be an online, open-access, digital carbon calculator for publicly funded trialists; an accumulating database of emission factors and footprinting results and a user interface providing advice on mitigation strategies for identified hotspots. The Application Developer will: Develop and implement back-end systems and APIs using C#/.NET. Design and maintain relational database systems (primarily MS-SQL). Assist in developing requirements for web application functionality to be delivered in later project phases Contribute to project and development meetings, project plans and presentations and be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary project team Contribute to wider ICR-CTSU IT programming tasks The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated individual to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment a leading UK CRC and Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit. Key Requirements Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent level qualification in computer science, software engineering or equivalent, relevant professional experience and have an understanding of clinical trials and/or carbon footprinting. Strong programming skills, a good understanding of relational databases, the ability to write secure, maintainable and well-documented code are essential, along with analytical and problem solving skills and effective communication. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. Department/Directorate Information The Institute of Cancer Research is looking for an experienced Application Developer to join the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) at its Sutton site in Surrey. ICR-CTSU runs a diverse portfolio of national and international phase III multicentre randomised controlled trials, and phase II trials of targeted treatments with a focus on breast, urological and head and neck cancer treatments Informal enquiries can be made by emailing [email protected].

HR Business Partner

  • Chelsea
  • Human Resources
  • £64,500 per annum
  • Permanent

Summary of Role We currently have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced HR Business Partner to join our HR Operations team. You will build strong partnerships with client departments, acting as a strategic advisor to align HR initiatives with broader business goals. In addition to leading on strategic HR matters, you will manage an HR Adviser and administrative support to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, consistent HR service across both the Professional Services and Scientific Research Divisions. Your role will involve working closely with operational teams across the ICR to provide a proactive, professional, and customer-focused generalist HR service throughout the employee lifecycle, in accordance with HR policies, procedures, and agreed service standards. Key requirements: Fully qualified Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ideally at Chartered Member (MCIPD) level Demonstrated experience in handling a wide range of employee relations issues, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, absence and performance management, TUPE, redundancy, and redeployment Proficiency in using the Agresso Integrated HR/Payroll system, with the flexibility to adapt to Oracle as part of upcoming system changes (desirable) Comprehensive and current understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice Department/Directorate Information We know that talented, brilliant, passionate people lie at the heart of the ICR. The Human Resources Directorate provides both strategic and operational advice and support across the ICR to attract and acquire, develop, retain and empower our people to achieve their full potential. This is an exciting and transformative time for the HR Directorate as we begin to implement a new People Strategy and an ERP system to better support the ICR in achieving its mission of making the discoveries that defeat cancer.

Industrial partnership opportunities with this group

Opportunity: A novel test for predicting future cancer risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Commissioner: Professor Trevor Graham

Recent discoveries from this group

sir-richard-doll-building-sutton-945x532

30/10/25 - Henry French

The Institute of Cancer Research has ranked among the top UK universities for research partnerships and commercialisation.
Bob Champion standing at the podium at London's Guildhall, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by the ICR

27/10/25

Legendary jockey Bob Champion has been awarded an honorary doctorate by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, in recognition of his outstanding contribution in supporting research into male cancers at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall.
Illustration of chess board folded in half two ways to create a chequered box with game pieces on it

23/10/25

In a major step forward for cancer research, scientists have uncovered a surprising vulnerability in soft tissue sarcomas – a rare and aggressive group of cancers that affect the soft tissues of the body, such as muscle, fat and blood vessels.
Xenopus cancer kidney cells interphase Paul Andrews 945x532

21/10/25

Combination immunotherapy treatment significantly improves disease-free survival following surgery in patients with the most common type of kidney cancer, according to new research.