A series of research studies at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) that aim to improve cancer treatment and care have been given funding from Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
After a competitive process, seven pioneering projects were successful in securing financial support through the Research Funding Scheme from the Charity. The studies which received grants were:
Simplifying immune cell quantification in solid cancers
A team led by Prof Christian Ottensmeier is developing a simplified, objective tool for immune cell quantification in solid cancers. Current immunotherapy benefits only 15% to 25% of patients, and the number and type of immune cells in tumour tissue are closely linked to treatment response. This project will create a straightforward test to count different immune cells in patient tumours, providing more precise information to guide treatment decisions and help design better, more personalised immunotherapy trials. The charity has provided £50,000 to this research.
Tackling pancreatic cancer liver metastasis
Professors Michael Schmid, Daniel Palmer, Ainhoa Mielgo, and Paula Ghaneh are leading research into the mechanisms behind liver metastasis in pancreatic cancer – the leading cause of death for these patients. By establishing a new pathway to collect pre-metastatic liver tissue samples from patients, the team aim to reveal how a ‘hospitable’ environment is created in the liver before cancer cells arrive, potentially unlocking new strategies to prevent or treat metastasis. The study was given £50,000 to progress its work.
Advancing research in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
A project led by Dr Jeff Smith, developing a bespoke RedCAP database to annotate biobanked and prospective sample collections, enabling in-depth investigation of the tumour microenvironment in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL). This research will use the Walton Centre’s biobank to source biopsy samples and create a secure, anonymised database linking clinical data to these samples. The aim is to better understand the biology of PCNSL, a rare but aggressive lymphoma with poor outcomes, especially in elderly and frail patients. This work is expected to pave the way for improved, less toxic treatments. The study was allocated £49,734.
Enabling precision medicine in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
A bioresource of samples and linked data from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) patients is being established to enable research into the variable effectiveness and toxicity of emerging targeted therapies for this disease. The goal is to develop new tests to ensure each patient receives the most effective treatments while avoiding unwanted side effects, supporting the evolution of precision medicine in CLL. This work is led by Dr Stella Williams and was awarded £20,000 to progress it.
Harnessing AI for early detection of spinal cord compression
Dr Abhishek Mahajan is spearheading the development of a ‘deep learning’ computer model for the automated detection and classification of metastatic spinal cord compression when MRI scans are conducted on the spine. This Artificial Intelligence-led system will learn from past reports and scans to provide quick, reliable evaluations, supporting radiologists and doctors in ensuring faster treatment and improved outcomes for patients with cancer that has spread to the spine. Dr Mahajan was awarded £20,079 for this work.
Supporting patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy
Dr Rachel Brooker’s project focuses on proactive, personalised support for patients having head and neck radiotherapy, particularly those from areas of high socio-economic deprivation. By exploring reasons for non-attendance at radiotherapy appointments, the research aims to design services that help all patients – regardless of background – to complete their treatment and improve their chances of cure. The study, called Libra (Lowering Inequalities through Better Radiotherapy Attendance), was given £19,919.
Unlocking the power of data in blood cancer
This landmark initiative, led by CCC-based academic and clinical researchers, including Professors Nagesh Kalakonda and Andy Pettitt, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, has secured unprecedented access to the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) datasets. Covering all blood cancer patients in England from 2014 to 2022, this project – also funded by Blood Cancer UK and North West Cancer Research – will focus on age-specific issues at both ends of the patient spectrum: the elderly/frail and teenage and young adults. By analysing these comprehensive datasets, the team aims to answer critical questions about clinical variables, outcomes, and treatment effects, addressing significant local and national disease burdens. The study received funding totalling £10,000.
Prof Tim Maughan, CCC’s Director of Clinical Research, said: “Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s 2025 Research Funding Scheme demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting innovative studies that address the most pressing challenges in cancer care.
“These projects – which span cutting-edge data science, laboratory research, clinical trials, and patient support – are set to make a real difference for patients across Cheshire and Merseyside, and beyond.
“We are extremely grateful to the Charity and its donors for supporting these projects and the talented research staff who will administer them.”
Katrina Bury, CEO of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: “We were delighted to offer funding to these really interesting and important research studies, which will make such a positive impact on our patients, and push forward knowledge in cancer research generally.
“Clatterbridge Cancer Charity would like to thank all the researchers who put forward their projects and offer our congratulations to everyone involved in the successful applications. And, of course, a big thank-you to everyone who donates to our Charity.”
