Updates from the SCRC
From Sussex Labs to Saving Lives: The Life-Changing Journey of TexRAD
A University of Sussex innovation is transforming cancer detection and treatment worldwide. TexRAD, born from a collaboration between BSMS and Engineering, uses texture analysis on CT, MRI and X-ray scans to reveal patterns invisible to the human eye. Now adopted in 60+ medical centres across the globe, TexRAD helps clinicians detect cancer earlier, predict treatment response, and reduce the need for invasive tests. Beyond oncology, the technology is branching into kidney stone analysis, lung disease, neurological conditions, and even dementia research, showing how Sussex innovation is driving health impact far beyond the lab.
Sussex Cancer Fund supports ground-breaking study into the impact of stress on endometrial cancer
The study, entitled “Psychological Stress, Glucocorticoids and Gynaecological Cancers,” aims to explore the relationship between stress hormone levels and the aggressiveness of endometrial cancer, which affects approximately 9,400 women annually in the UK. It will also examine whether stress impacts the efficacy of treatment.
Working under the guidance of Professor Flint, PhD student Sarah Becker from the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Brighton, who is featured in the photo, is playing a key role in the research. Sarah is investigating how glucocorticoid signalling triggered by the body’s stress hormone, cortisol, may influence tumour growth and contribute to chemotherapy resistance.
“I’m focusing on how stress, via the glucocorticoid receptor, affects cancer growth and resistance to chemotherapy,” Sarah explained. “My aim is to better understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects so we can ultimately inform treatment and care pathways for patients.”
The research team, drawn from the University of Brighton, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, will recruit patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer across Sussex. Tissue samples collected during surgery will be used to grow organoids, miniature tumour models, allowing scientists to test how cortisol may affect tumour behaviour and treatment outcomes.
Professor Melanie Flint, Professor of stress and cancer research at the University of Brighton and lead investigator, said:
“We are immensely grateful to the Sussex Cancer Fund for supporting this important work. With endometrial cancer rates on the rise, particularly among younger women, it is vital to understand how stress might influence the biology of these tumours. This research not only has the potential to inform future treatment strategies but also to improve quality of life by identifying the benefits of stress reduction interventions.”
The three-year study will also include quality of life assessments and blood tests to track stress markers over time. The goal is to gather data that could inform a future clinical trial looking at stress reduction both pharmacological and psychological as part of cancer care.
For Researchers
Exciting opportunity to join our cancer research community!
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a new Professor/Associate Professor of Clinical Oncology to lead innovative cancer research across Sussex. This senior role will strengthen collaborations between the Sussex Cancer Research Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and our NHS partners, driving forward research that improves cancer care for patients in our region.
To find out more about this role please follow the link attached.
For People with Lived Experience of Cancer
Over 200 lung cancers detected early in Sussex thanks to preventative lung screening programme
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the UK, and it is often diagnosed too late because there are few or no symptoms at an early stage. The NHS lung health check programme is helping to change this picture, with 200 people in Sussex already diagnosed early and given the chance of life-saving treatment since its launch in June 2022.
Programme data shows its continued success in identifying lung cancer early, when more treatment options are available and outcomes are significantly improved.
Since June 2022, over 65,000 invitations have been sent to people aged 55 to 74 who have never smoked. Of these, 37,700 attended a lung health check, and more than 19,000 CT scans were carried out in community locations such as supermarket car parks and town centres. As a result, 200 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer, with 78.3% detected at stage one or two, when treatment is most effective.
News
Hove charity head shave raises £5,500 for Sussex Cancer Fund
David Fraser, of Woodland Dry Cleaners in Hove, took on the challenge in memory of his mother, Bernadette Fraser, who died of cancer six years ago, and his brother-in-law, Nick Palmer, who died from the disease just four months ago at the age of 51.
The fundraiser in aid of the Sussex Cancer Fund has so far raised £5,575, including Gift Aid!
Professor Michelle West to leave Sussex in December
Professor Michelle West, Head of the School of Life Sciences, is leaving the University at the end of December 2025 to take up the role of Head of the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences and Professor of Tumour Virology at Queen Mary University of London.
Michelle has worked at the University for nearly 24 years. She joined the Department of Biochemistry in the School of Biological Sciences (now Life Sciences) in November 2001 to launch her independent research career here funded by a four-year Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship. Her team’s work has focused on understanding the molecular details of how the cancer-associated Epstein-Barr virus drives cancer development. More recently her team has been developing small molecule drugs to help treat these cancers. Her research has received external funding from a variety of funders including the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Cancer Research UK and Blood Cancer UK and she has taught and convened modules across all levels of the Life Sciences curriculum.
We would like to express our gratitude for Professor West’s support, and wish her all the best for her next steps, on behalf of the entire Sussex Cancer Research Centre community. Her vision and leadership of the School of Life Sciences at Sussex has been instrumental in research success across the centre and beyond. When we first shared our vision for the Sussex Cancer Research Centre with Michelle, she provided significant support to make our launch a success, and we couldn’t have done it without her. - The SCRC directors
Sussex Cancer Research Centre featured in The Lancet Oncology article
The Sussex Cancer Research Centre was recently quoted alongside CRUK Scotland and Manchester in a new Lancet Oncology article examining how high visa costs are impeding the UK’s ability to attract international scientific talent. Simon Mitchell, Co-director of SCRC, highlighted the impact of these barriers on cancer research: “Our mission is to translate cutting-edge research into better outcomes for people with cancer. Barriers to recruiting international talent slow this progress, ultimately limiting the speed with which new discoveries reach people with cancer.”
Dr Stephen Robinson's perspective on Radiotherapy highlighted in ESTRO
In honour of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day on the 7th September 2025, Stephen’s perspective and quote have been highlighted internationally through ESTRO (European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology). He reminds us how far radiotherapy has come, yet many patients worldwide still lack access. Continued research and awareness are vital to expand access to modern radiotherapy and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
Stephen: "Over the last century, radiotherapy has become one of our most effective treatments for cancer. Through research and dedicated effort, technical advances in how we deliver radiotherapy have made radiotherapy kinder, safer and more effective. These advances mean that we now have the option to offer radiotherapy to more patients than ever before, whilst also reducing the chance of them developing side effects.
However, we know that not every patient who could benefit is provided with the opportunity to receive radiotherapy. This is coupled with a lack of investment in radiotherapy research and infrastructure (both radiotherapy machines and staff) compared to other cancer treatments.
It is therefore of vital importance that patients, other medical professionals, policy makers and the wider public are aware of the continued advances to the safety and effectiveness of radiotherapy. In this way, we can help as many people as possible access the latest advances in radiotherapy."
Cancer screening trial recruits first patients at UHSussex
University Hospitals Sussex has recruited its first patients into a national clinical trial investigating a simple, less invasive method to improve early detection and monitoring of people at risk of oesophageal cancer.
The trial, known as BEST4, is exploring whether a ‘sponge on a string’ test could replace some of the routine endoscopies currently used to monitor patients with Barrett’s oesophagus (BO).
Click on the link in the header to read more.
From our supporters
Apto-Gen
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Eppendorf
Eppendorf’s purpose to improve human living conditions is as old as the company itself and has lost none of its significance or power over the years. Our products, systems and services enable, improve, and facilitate research and routine work in laboratories all over the world. They inspire through innovation, quality, intelligence, performance, economic efficiency, ergonomics, and design. We are characterized by continuous investment in the innovation of our products, services, and business solutions, including through the involvement of partners and customers.
Qiagen
QIAGEN serves more than 500,000 customers globally, all seeking insights from DNA, RNA, and proteins. Using any biological sample, they are advancing science and improving outcomes for people everywhere. Our products for molecular testing serve applications from basic life sciences research to clinical healthcare. Together, we are making improvements in life possible.
SARSTEDT
SARSTEDT, a family-run company, has been a leader in laboratory and medical technology for over six decades. A global team of more than 3,000 employees, we share a unified goal: to support laboratory professionals and medical practitioners. From development to production and sales, we ensure that our customers’ visions are implemented with precision and efficiency. We ensure the highest quality through standardised processes, constant monitoring and analysis. We also hold a deep commitment to the environment and future generations.