Updates from the SCRC
Double UKRI Success for Sussex: Transforming Cancer Treatment with AI
We are excited to share that Professor Frances Pearl’s team has received external UKRI funding to advance their groundbreaking research into Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), a significant milestone following their first SCRC-funded PhD studentship.
Pearl's AI team are collaborating with CUP specialists across Sussex and London to explore how artificial intelligence and rapid cancer genome sequencing can be used to identify personalised treatment targets for patients whose cancer’s primary site cannot be determined.
CUP presents a unique challenge in cancer treatment, often leaving patients with limited options and poorer outcomes. By combining powerful AI tools with a “bench-to-bedside” research model, this project aims to transform how these difficult-to-treat cancers are managed, improving treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
This achievement demonstrates how SCRC’s internal investment is successfully attracting national funding, strengthening our impact on cancer research across the region.
Read the full story on the link provided above.
For Researchers
Our Latest Publications
We’re excited to announce that we now highlight the latest publications from across the SCRC on our website. Please see some selected publications from the last few months below, and check out the website at www.sussexCancer.org/publications for more. Congratulations to all teams publishing impactful and diverse research to a global audience across the centre.
1.Hudson, J. J., Appanah, R., Jones, D., Davidson, K., Budden, A. M., Vaitsiankova, A., ... & Rass, U. (2025). DNA2 enables growth by restricting recombination-restarted replication. Nature, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09470-5
2.Fernández-Casañas, M., Karanika, E., Aliyaskarova, U., Olukoga, T., Herbert, A. D., Oliver, A. W., ... & Chan, K. L. (2025). Centromere protection requires strict mitotic inactivation of the Bloom syndrome helicase complex. Nature Communications, 16(1), 7832. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62966-6
3.Zach, R., Annis, M., Martin-Guerrero, S. M., Alatawi, A., Chia, K. H., Meredith, M., ... & Hochegger, H. (2025). The balance between B55α and Greatwall expression levels predicts sensitivity to Greatwall inhibition in cancer cells. Nature Communications, 16(1), 8016. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62943-z
4.Vareli, A., Vaidehi Narayanan, H., Clark, H., Jayawant, E., Zhou, H., Liu, Y., ... & Mitchell, S. (2025). Systems biology-enabled targeting of NF-κΒ and BCL2 overcomes microenvironment-mediated BH3-mimetic resistance in DLBCL. Cell Death & Disease, 16(1), 620. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-025-07942-0
5.Fallowfield, L., Kiely, B. E., Travado, L., Ventura, R., Dullehan, J., & Cardoso, F. (2025). Best practices for communication of prognosis and end-of-life discussions with patients with advanced breast cancer: A report from the advanced breast cancer global alliance. The Breast, 104595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2025.104595
6.Flaherty, R. L., Falcinelli, M., Hesketh, A. R., Patel, B. A., Bancroft, E., Page, E., ... & Flint, M. S. (2025). Biomarkers of psychological stress are associated with increased susceptibility to the development of breast and prostate cancer in BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers: Cellular and Molecular Biology. British Journal of Cancer, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-025-03085-3
7.Jayawant, E. S., Vareli, A., Pepper, A., Pepper, C., Simoes, F., & Mitchell, S. (2025). Computational modelling of aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Biochemical Society Transactions, BST20253039. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20253039
For People with Lived Experience of Cancer
Seeking "Experts by Experience" to shape our research.
The Sussex Cancer Research Centre is currently looking for volunteers with lived-experience of cancer to contribute to an "Experts By Experience" panel, that will shape our research.
General Interest Events
Upcoming Exhibition: Drawn Out – Lines Beyond the Limen by Markus Taylor
Everyone is warmly invited to attend an upcoming exhibition showcasing the powerful work of Markus Taylor, Lived Experience Lead, Haematology Insight Advocate, and contributor to S.C.A.R (Sussex Cancer Arts & Research). Markus brings a unique artistic perspective shaped by lived experience with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
Drawn Out – Lines Beyond the Limen brings together collaborative pieces developed with Profs Mitchell, Pepper, and Humphrey, using flow cytometry and DNA combing processes to generate striking biological imagery. The exhibition is curated by Amy Cunningham, Head of MA Fine Art (University of Brighton), and co-curated by students from the MA Fine Art programme.
Opening Event 📅 Tuesday 2nd December 2025 🕔 5pm–7pm 📍 Dorset Place Gallery, University of Brighton, BN2 1ST
The exhibition also includes pieces from Markus’ wider series, including works currently displayed across Life Sciences and Experimental Medicine, as well as pieces previously exhibited in Quebec, Canada.
REMINDER: Save The Date for our 3rd Annual Symposium on the 23rd June 2026
The Sussex Cancer Research Centre is delighted to invite you all to our 3rd Symposium, celebrating our growing community of cancer researchers across the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, BSMS, and local NHS Trusts.
This event will showcase cutting-edge cancer research, collaborations, and innovations taking place across Sussex. Researchers, clinicians, students, and our local communities are warmly invited to join us for an inspiring day of talks, networking, and discovery.
Save the date and keep an eye out for the full agenda and registration details, which will be released soon.
Stay updated via our newsletter.
News
Goodbye Breasts!
The UK premiere of ‘Goodbye Breasts!’ took place at the Brighton Cinecity Film Festival on 11 November followed by a Q & A. This is a film written, directed, and produced by Joanna Callaghan, documenting her remarkable breast cancer story. For Joanna the premiere represented the final arrival after a long journey, with much to celebrate including screenings at other festivals and even winning an award! If you would like to be kept updated, please follow her and/or join the mailing list via the website.
From our supporters
SARSTEDT
SARSTEDT, a family-run company, has been a leader in laboratory and medical technology for over six decades. As 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.
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.
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.
Apto-Gen
Apto-Gen is a technology-driven company dedicated to providing market-leading PCR and RT-qPCR enzymes and master mixes. Our mission is to improve DNA and RNA detection for more accurate diagnoses by bringing bespoke, high-quality molecular biology reagents to the healthcare and biotechnology markets.
Our Apto-Life product range has been developed for use in a broad range of life science applications, including high-performance RT-qPCR solutions for gene expression, genotyping and genetic studies, and high-fidelity DNA polymerases with enhanced processivity for cloning and sequencing applications.