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Kerr and Pezzella Group: Colorectal Clinical and Pathology Group

Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

We lead colorectal cancer clinical trials, and study the basic biology of non-angiogenic and angiogenic tumours and mechanisms of vascular co-option.

Our group is interested in basic and translational aspects of cancer research, with a particular focus on colorectal cancer. Our group discovered the non-angiogenic pathway of cancer growth, which has led to a change in the hallmarks of cancer. We are therefore investigating the biological basis of these tumours and how the use of anti-angiogenic drugs has changed. For this we are running international trials in colorectal cancer, looking at the interaction between anti-angiogenic drugs and chemotherapy.

Our team

David Kerr

Professor of Cancer Medicine
Francesco Pezzella

Professor of Tumour Pathology
Aik Seng Ng

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Functional Cancer Genetics
Yao Jiang

Postdoctoral Researcher
Amjad Khan

Academic Visitor

Collaborations

Prof Adrian Harris, University of Oxford

Prof Benedikt Kessler, University of Oxford

Dr Giovanni Stracquadanio, University of Essex

Dr Andrew Reynolds, Astra Zeneca, Cambridge

Funders

Malaysian Government

Saudi Government

Related research themes

Our research is focused on both blood cancers (myeloid and lymphoid malignancies) and solid tumours, such as breast, colorectal, endocrine and lung cancers, with a number of drug discovery efforts and clinical trials taking place within the department. By understanding the basic biology and underlying disease mechanisms we aim to find effective new biomarkers and treatment approaches.

Cancer Biology

We seek to understand the causes of diseases of the blood and other malignancies, from a molecular to systems level, with a focus on blood cancers, rare inherited conditions and the tumour microenvironment. We use and develop innovative techniques to drive research in this area, and are committed to bringing about change in clinical diagnosis and practice. Our pathologists discovered many of the biomarkers now used routinely in clinical practice, translate laboratory findings into clinical tests and are developing digital pathology initiatives.

Haematology and Pathology

We are committed to translating our innovative research into clinical benefit. From new methods of diagnosing chronic conditions, to finding the latest treatments for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and rare diseases, our department is involved in hundreds of clinical studies every year.

Clinical Studies and Trials

A raft of cellular and molecular biology techniques underpin much of the work we do to elucidate the mechanisms of disease. We use established techniques to answer new questions and also develop our own novel and unique methodologies to drive further innovation.

Cellular and Molecular Biology