Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world with 150,000 new cases each year. At initial diagnosis, 20% of patients have distant metastasis, thus the cancer has spread to other parts and organs of the body and is not confined to the colon or rectum. 25% to 30% of patients with early stage disease will develop metastasis consequently. The subsequent duration of life for metastatic untreated patients is a heart-aching number accounting for a maximum of 9 months.

Currently, using combination therapy approaches, overall survival lengths has been extended to 20 months. The standard of care for metastatic CRC is surgery followed by chemotherapy. There are several approved chemotherapeutic drugs, one of which is the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) with oxaliplatin given mainly through the course of 12 month,s biweekly. The response rate for this treatment is 29%.

Therapy based upon the biology of an individual’s tumour rather than established histopathologic and anatomic classification is an approach that promises to optimise the use of existing therapies. Gene expression analysis offers the potential to measure genome-wide activity which can be used to predict response to current treatments. My project aims at creating a predictive model that can determine which patients are sensitive or resistant to different chemotherapeutic treatment.

In the future, if we, or any other research group, succeeded in reaching this purpose, we would be able to identify the 71% of patients who may not benefit from chemotherapy. I think modifying the standard of care for CRC will have impactful results on the life of patients and this is our ultimate goal as cancer researchers.

Blog posts

Celebrating International Women's Day 2025

This International Women's Day, we're spotlighting some of the brilliant women in STEM at the Department of Oncology. From overcoming challenges to finding support and inspiring the next generation, these women share their journeys, insights, and advice.

Supporting Women in Nuclear Science: Salma Yousuf’s MSc Radiobiology Experience

Salma Yousuf studied the MSc in Radiobiology in 2023-24, wanting to deepen her knowledge in the medical imaging field. Salma was awarded a scholarship from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which aims to encourage young women to pursue a career in the nuclear field.

From MSc to DPhil: Studying Cancer Science at Oxford

Ellena O'Keefe joined the first MSc Applied Cancer Science cohort in 2023-2024, having developed an interest in cancer treatment during her undergraduate research into chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Now pursuing a DPhil in Cardiovascular Medicine, she shares her experience of studying a master's at Oxford and how it shaped her research journey.

An Inside Look at the MSc in Applied Cancer Science

Pablo Lopez Ribelles was part of the first MSc Applied Cancer Science cohort in 2023-2024, attracted to the cutting-edge curriculum and wealth of networking opportunities available at Oxford. Pablo shares his experience of the MSc Applied Cancer Science programme and how it helped to fuel his career aspirations.

Studying MSc Precision Cancer Medicine as a Haematology Pharmacist

Wen Yuen Lim reflects on her time studying MSc Precision Cancer Medicine at Oxford, sharing how the experience enhanced her expertise as a lead haematology pharmacist, and inspired her to push the boundaries of personalised cancer care.