Research programme
Molecular Pathology
Turning the genetics of a tumour into information patients and clinicians can act on.
Molecular pathology sits at the core of the group’s work. By analysing the genetic and molecular make-up of ocular tumours, we can predict how a cancer is likely to behave and help tailor treatment and surveillance to the individual patient.
From tumour to prognosis
In uveal melanoma, for example, chromosomal changes such as loss of chromosome 3 are powerful predictors of metastatic risk. Our laboratory applies techniques including genetic and chromosomal analysis to tumour biopsies, feeding directly into prognostic tools such as LUMPO.
Supporting clinical care
The molecular analysis carried out by the group underpins routine prognostication for patients treated at the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre, and supports research collaborations nationally and internationally.
A platform for research
Alongside diagnostics, our molecular work drives discovery science: identifying the pathways that make ocular tumours aggressive and pointing towards new therapeutic targets. This is closely linked to the Ocular Oncology Biobank and the EYE-CAN-AID data environment.