We invite you to join us online on Thursday 15th February, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In this webinar series, presented by the Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre at Imperial College London and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, researchers from both institutions will discuss key challenges facing cancer research and the potential of convergence science to tackle them. Join us to discover how innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies can elucidate unresolved questions in cancer biology, revolutionise cancer research, and bring pioneering treatments to cancer patients faster.

 

Hosted by our Scientific Director, Professor Axel Behrens, this series aims to fulfil the Centre's mission of fostering collaboration between traditionally separate disciplines.

 

We invite you to join us online on Thursday, February 15^th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, for a presentation by:

Dr George West – Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research

 

"Towards effective ultrasound-based tools for detection and monitoring of liver steatosis"

 

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition worldwide and is highly prevalent in breast, colorectal and gynaecological cancer patients. It is associated with lower disease-free survival and further pathologies, with many cases of hepatocellular carcinoma presenting secondary to NAFLD.

Due to treatment-induced metabolic and hepatic dysfunction, NAFLD is a possible complication of endocrine and chemotherapies, limiting treatment options and making monitoring critical.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) approaches are diagnostic tools that are sensitive to microstructural changes in tissue properties indicative of pathology. Presented is the development of an algorithm for the optimisation of QUS approaches for effective monitoring of liver steatosis.

 

Post-doc in the ultrasound department of the radiotherapy and imaging division at the ICR in Sutton. Studied for a PhD as a convergent science student at the ICR and at Imperial College, working in the ultrasound department at the ICR and the mechanical engineering department at Imperial College. The aim of this project was to apply non-destructive testing approaches to the problem of biomechanical tissue property measurements and the resulting thesis explored the use of computational tools to simulate ultrasound scattering within soft tissue for the improvement of treatment monitoring.

 

 &

 

Dr Bowen Su – CRUK Convergence Science Centre, Cancer Technology Catalyst Team.

 

“Integrating EHRs and Genomics in Chronic Disease Epidemiology: A New Frontier in Cancer Research”

 

Genetic and molecular epidemiology offer crucial insights into the prevention, aetiology, treatment, and management of chronic diseases. To explore the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to chronic diseases, integrating electronic health records (EHRs) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) proves invaluable. Our extensive research has explored disease burden, disease clustering, genetic associations, and drug repurposing opportunities in areas including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. This approach also extends to cancer research, aiming to identify genetic determinants of disease and improve public health outcomes through an enhanced understanding of disease mechanisms, targeted treatments, and optimized pharmaceutical dosages.

 

Bowen is a Research Associate in Cancer Detection, Diagnostics and Public Health at the CRUK Convergence Science Centre. Her current research focuses on early cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, employing innovative methods and a rich array of interdisciplinary data, encompassing clinical records, biomedical measurements, genetic profiles, and various omics technologies (such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics). This focus aligns seamlessly with her ongoing interest in cancer, multimorbidity, and drug repurposing. With expertise in public health, epidemiology, and biostatistics, Bowen's work is characterised by a blend of innovation and meticulous research, significantly impacting health outcomes.

 

Please note: This webinar is exclusively available to colleagues from the Institute of Cancer Research, the Royal Marsden, Imperial and Imperial College Healthcare. Do not forward to colleagues outside of these organisations.