Cancer Research Prize

Two Lancaster University cancer experts have been awarded a cancer research prize.

Dr Frank Martin, lecturer in Molecular Carcinogenesis, and Professor Trevor McMillan, Peel Professor of Cancer Biology, were part of a research team awarded the Brian Booth Oncology Research Prize.

The prize was established by the Rosemere Cancer Foundation with funds donated in memory of Brian Booth, former chairman of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust , who died unexpectedly last year.

The team, which conducted a two-year study into the possible triggers of prostate cancer, have been awarded the £2,000, which will help them to take their research onto the next stage.

The prize was set up in tribute to Brian Booth lifelong commitment to education and his support for Cancer Services and the Rosemere Cancer Foundation. The Foundation hopes it will also serve to raise the profile of oncology research within the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network.

The project was a collaboration between Urology Specialist Registrar Dr. Ragavan, Mr. Matenhelia (Consultant Urologist) and Dr. Andy Hindley (Consultant Oncologist) based at Royal Preston Hospital and Dr. Frank Martin (Lecturer in Molecular Carcinogenesis) and Professor Trevor McMillan (Peel Professor of Cancer Biology) of Lancaster University.

The winning research project is entitled ‘An analysis of hormone or carcinogen metabolising enzyme expression in human prostate in relation to susceptibility to adencarcinoma and an epidemiological investigation of lifestyle risk factors’.

It aimed to identify the triggers which may prompt the development of prostate cancer in some men. It also sought to examine lifestyle factors in relation to the patient and their extended family in order to understand more about prostate cancer and its possible similarities to other cancers.

For further information on work by Dr Frank Martin and Professor Trevor McMillan go to:

http://biol.lancs.ac.uk/hhdrg/f_martin.htm

http://biol.lancs.ac.uk/hhdrg/t_mcmillan.htm