Dr Susie Shapiro

I combine my role as a consultant haematologist in the Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre with research into the mechanisms of thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) in collaboration with Prof Adam Mead.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the general population and is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with polycythaemia vera. The mechanisms underlying the increased thrombotic risk in polycythaemia are unknown and there is no specific or targeted anti-thrombotic therapy available. My research aims to improve cardiovascular outcomes in polycythaemia vera by developing risk stratification, identifying the mechanisms underlying the increased risk of thrombosis, and developing targeted therapy.

More than 98% of polycythaemia vera is caused by a driver mutation in the tyrosine kinase JAK2 gene. Early data suggests that the JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib may reduce thrombotic risk in myeloproliferative neoplasms. I am prospectively measuring state of the art biomarkers of platelet, endothelial and coagulation activation in a large randomised control trial of ruxolitinib versus standard cytoreduction for treatment of polycythaemia vera. The pattern of biomarkers will be analysed and correlated with clinical events for future stratification. In parallel, in order to develop targeted therapies I am studying the mechanisms of thrombosis ex vivo, particularly looking at the role of platelet and neutrophil activation.

My research interests complement my clinical practice as a consultant haematologist specialising in haemostasis and thrombosis at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH). I am the Director of the Oxford Haemophilia Centre and OUH lead for Anticoagulation. I have particular interest in improving patient safety including anticoagulation optimisation for which we have won national awards; improving knowledge of comorbidities in haemophilia and aging, and new innovative treatments within haemophilia.

I am the Principal or Chief Investigator for more than 10 clinical trials.  I work with several national and international organisations to improve healthcare, support education and ensure patients are involved in both research priorities and service development. I am Chair of the Comorbidity Working Party of the UK Haemophilia Doctors Association, a member of the Clinical Reference Group for Specialised Blood Disorders, and I was a steering committee member of the James Lind Alliance research priority setting partnership into bleeding disorders. I work with Thrombosis UK, the Haemophilia Society, the Platelet Society, and the European Haemophilia Consortium.

I qualified from Oxford University Medical School, trained in haematology in London (Hammersmith/Royal Free/Great Ormond Street) and completed my PhD at Imperial College London with Prof Mike Laffan focussing on the structure and function of von Willebrand factor.