Cancer and Genetics

The programme strategy is to drive research for the benefit of patients affected by cancer and by inherited disease in Wales and beyond.

The programme of research maps onto the translational research pathway ranging from fundamental science through to pre-clinical testing of new therapeutic agents as well as early and late phase clinical trials. Our translational research focuses on the genetic and molecular basis of human disease within a central theme of cancer. The Division of Cancer and Genetics provides expertise and facilities to conduct research into human genetics and disease, prognostic and diagnostic markers for cancer, novel therapies for solid organ and haematological cancers, metastasis, cancer immunology and cancer cell biology.

The programme will lead to a research degree in cancer and / or genetics that could be used in a variety of academic, clinical and industrial settings.

The following areas are available:

• Haematological malignancy - focus on basic and translational research into haematological malignancies and clinical trials exploring innovative treatment for leukaemia;
• Genetic and genomic medicine - to better understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer and genetic illness;
• Solid cancers - aiming to improve the outcome of patients with cancer with a primary focus on clinical trials and linked laboratory research.

Distinctive features

• Part of Wales Cancer Research Centre
• Cancer Research UK Centre Status
• Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre
• Human Gene Mutation Database
• Wales Cancer Trials Unit
• Strong International links via China Cardiff Medical Research Collaborative
• Bloodwise Centre of Excellence for research into haematological malignancies.
• Wales Gene Park.
• Wales Cancer Bank.
• Wales Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Centre
• Well-equipped laboratories in Heath Campus buildings including Cancer and Genetics Building, Division of Medical Genetics, Henry Wellcome Building, Sir Geraint Evans Building, Tenovus Building, University Hospital Building, and Velindre Hospital (Cancer Research Wales).