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

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Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

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Phone: +44 20 3437 6124

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Phone: +44 20 3437 3617

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Phone: +44 20 8722 4186

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

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Phone: +44 20 3437 3501

Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

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Location: Sutton

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Phone: +44 20 8722 4361

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Phone: +44 20 3437 6118

Email: [email protected]

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Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

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Phone: +44 20 3437 6196

Email: [email protected]

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Email: [email protected]

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Location: Sutton

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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.

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Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

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Email: [email protected]

Location: Sutton

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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

Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling

  • Sutton
  • Cancer Biology
  • Salary : From £66,092 per annum

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position is based at the newly established Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), part of the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Key Requirements The successful candidate will generate and employ state-of-the-art genetic and humanised mouse models of cancer to tackle fundamental and translational questions in haemato-oncology and/or solid tumour oncology. In addition to leading a successful research group, they will expand the CIVM's research capabilities and foster productive collaborations with other groups and centres at the ICR, thus promoting in vivo modelling by integrating it into multidisciplinary projects and initiatives. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in in vivo modelling and advanced mouse genetics, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision leveraging advanced genetic mouse models and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form, you will also be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) A PDF of a maximum of five key publications, or other research outputs (e.g. patents) that best demonstrate previous productivity You must also complete the personal statement section of the application form in the format of a covering letter including the names and contact details of three academic referees Department/Directorate Information: The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in state-of-the-art in vivo cancer models to probe these complex cancer ecosystems, discover their underlying biology, and identify new therapeutic targets. The postholder will significantly contribute to driving these strategic priorities. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Kamil R. Kranc ([email protected]), Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling, or Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.

HR Payroll Specialist

  • Sutton
  • Human Resources
  • Salary: £48,925 - £59,225 per annum
  • Fixed term

About the Role We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to join our HR Team and contribute in providing high quality, proactive HR and Payroll support focused on ensuring a resilient, streamlined monthly end to end process for implementing HR changes and managing the Payroll service, in line with our policies and procedures and to agreed service levels. The role will also provide expertise, additional resilience and capacity across the HR and payroll function to support the HR department in the implementation of the Oracle Cloud solution, as well as directly feeding into the programme where required, participating in workshops and meetings and disseminating relevant information to HR colleagues. Key Responsibilities To take lead responsibility for the monthly payroll processing timetable from the HR perspective. To ensure all changes input into the system are actioned in time for the monthly payroll cut-off and that inputs have the correct impact on the employee's payslip in each case. To be a source of expert knowledge on the various elements that might apply to an employee's pay. To be a source of expert knowledge and guidance on all payroll taxes, including the tax implications of salary sacrifice arrangements and benefits in kind. To be involved in the annual pay review processing and implementation. About You We are looking for someone with demonstratable experience of working in an HR/Payroll function. And: Educated to degree level in a related field or equivalent relevant experience Part qualified membership status of the CIPD or equivalent knowledge and experience Excellent organisational and time-management skills Strong communication and interpersonal abilities What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Competitive salary and pension. 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 Karen Grieff via email @ [email protected].

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

11/07/25

Scientists have uncovered a protein that acts like a ‘suit of armour’ for cancer cells, shielding them from hostile environments and allowing one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer to spread through the body. 

A team of researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has identified that a protein called SLC7A11 protects melanoma cells from damage as they pass through stressful environments in the body – allowing them to grow and spread unchecked.

The findings could open new avenues of research to disable the disease’s defences, offering fresh hope for thousands of patients.

The discovery, published in the journal Cell Reports, could also lead to new tests to spot these aggressive tumours.

Shielding cells from damage

Normally, cells are vulnerable to a process called oxidative stress – a kind of internal ‘rusting’ that damages and destroys them.

In research funded by Cancer Research UK, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Worldwide Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Now and Barts Charity, the team grew melanoma tumours in the lab. They saw that the more aggressive cells in the tumour – those around the border, with a rounder shape which enables them to invade other tissues – produced high amounts of the protein SLC7A11, which protects against oxidative stress.

They found that SLC7A11 acts not only as a protective shield against oxidative stress, but also as a suit of armour, controlling the cytoskeleton of the cancer cells – a structure that helps them become mobile and aggressive. When they knocked out the protein and stopped it from working, the cells were less round, and less able to grow and invade.

Blocking the ‘suit of armour’ protein

The team treated the melanoma tumours in the lab with drugs that inhibit SLC7A11 – after 72 hours, almost 75 per cent of the cells had died.

The ICR researchers hope that targeted SLC7A11 inhibitors can be developed in the future and trialled for the treatment of melanoma.

The role of antioxidants

Oxidative stress is a process that can be counteracted with antioxidants. The team found that when they treated the melanoma cells with the antioxidant glutathione, the cells became rounder – the more aggressive shape.

The antioxidant even protected the cells from damage caused by oxidative stress when the SLC7A11 protein was knocked out.

Antioxidant supplements have become popular and can be bought over the counter. The researchers therefore urge caution for patients with melanoma when taking any antioxidant supplements that could contain larger doses than recommended by health organisations.

The ICR – which is both a research institute and a charity – is helping more people survive melanoma skin cancer. Give a monthly donation to help us uncover how melanoma develops, grows and spreads – so we can develop new treatments to stop it in its tracks, and save more lives. 

Please donate today

‘A warning sign’

Professor Victoria Sanz-Moreno, Professor of Cancer Cell and Metastasis Biology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, who led the study said:

“Our study has helped us to better understand how some cancer cells protect themselves from the stresses they encounter as they attempt to spread around the body. This could lead to new ways to identify and treat aggressive melanoma.

“High levels of the SLC7A11 protein seems to be a warning sign that a tumour is likely to spread. We have shown in the lab that targeting this protein leaves the cancer cells exposed and vulnerable to oxidative stress, blocking their ability to invade other tissues.

“If we take away the melanoma cells’ shield and armour, we could stop cancer in its tracks.

“Importantly, we’ve also shown that even if you remove the shield and armour, antioxidants can boost the aggressive nature of melanoma cells. We therefore urge caution when taking these over-the-counter supplements.”

‘New lines of attack against melanoma’

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

“We know that cancer is most deadly once it has spread. Finding ways to stop cancer from spreading around the body is crucial to give patients more time living well. I hope this research opens the door to new lines of attack against melanoma in the future.”

‘Complex relationship between antioxidant supplements and cancer’

Dr Dani Edmunds, Research Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, said:

“Once cancer starts spreading, treatment options become more limited. The earlier we can stop it from spreading, the better the chances of long-term survival.  

“It’s promising to see that melanoma skin cancer could be stopped from spreading by stripping away its defences. While this is early-stage research, future clinical trials could help us understand how this approach works in the body and how best we can use it to save and improve lives.

“This research also highlights the complex relationship between antioxidant supplements and cancer. We know that eating a healthy balanced diet can help to reduce the risk of cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, we strongly advise talking to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter health supplements.”