Charlie Massie – Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge

 

While training as a biochemist I worked at the Edinburgh ICRF and developed a special interest in cancer biology and genomics. After completing a PhD in Oncology I focussed on functional genomics studies of transcriptional networks in prostate cancer. Through collaborations with the Cancer Genome Project at the Sanger Institute I contributed to the identification of new cancer genes and distinct molecular subtypes. Through the CRUK-funded UK Prostate ICGC working group I have helped to provide insights into the early stages of tumour development, with current efforts focussed on integrating genome, epigenome and transcriptome data to better understand disease processes. Currently I am working with others in the Rosenfeld group to develop high-sensitivity approaches for the detection, monitoring and molecular profiling of tumour DNA in peripheral fluids. The aim of these approaches is to develop platforms for earlier detection and molecular stratification to improve patient management.