| Grant Type | PhD Studentship |
| Research Title | Psychological and Cultural Predictors of Treatment Outcome and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients |
| Grant Awarded To | F.S. Shiraz |
| Department | Centre for Psychiatry |
| Institution | Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine |
| Grant Start Date | 01/08/2010 |
| Grant Duration | 36 months |
| Total Amount Awarded | £61,396 |
| Abstract | This PhD studentship will consist of a cross-sectional and short term follow up study of individuals undergoing head and neck surgery as a result of a) cancer (particularly head and neck cancer), (b) trauma related to violence, (c) trauma unrelated to violence. This PhD focuses on the effect of spouse/family response and past history of depression / anxiety on treatment outcome. |
| Grant Type | PhD Studentship |
| Research Title | Psychological and Cultural Predictors of Treatment Outcome and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients |
| Grant Awarded To | E.R. Ratz |
| Department | Centre for Psychiatry |
| Institution | Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine |
| Grant Start Date | 01/08/2010 |
| Grant Duration | 36 months |
| Total Amount Awarded | £61,396 |
| Abstract | This PhD studentship will consist of a cross-sectional and short term follow up study of individuals undergoing head and neck surgery as a result of a) cancer (particularly head and neck cancer), (b) trauma related to violence, (c) trauma unrelated to violence. This PhD will focuseon the predictors of outcome in cases of trauma associated with violence compared to those who have similar surgery for cancer. This will focus particularly on characteristics of victims and perpetrators of violence. |
| Grant Type | Research Fellowship |
| Research Title | The Molecular Determinants of Extra capsular Spread in Metastic Head and Neck Cancer |
| Grant Awarded To | J.D. Dhanda |
| Department | Institute of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine |
| Institution | University of Liverpool |
| Grant Start Date | 01/04/2011 |
| Grant Duration | 12 months |
| Total Amount Awarded | £23,000.30 |
| Abstract | The aim of this PhD project is to validate initial exploratory data and determine important molecular events in the development extracapsular spread (ECS), the most biologically aggressive metastatic phenotype in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our hypothesis is that molecular events in key pathways from primary site tissue are associated with this aggressive metastatic phenotype. The focus will be on the detailed analysis of data obtained from microarray techniques. These have identified an 8-gene signature for ECS with 78% sensitivity & 86% specificity. Power analysis showed that 90% of all = twofold differences in gene expression between node negative & ECS cases were significant. Affected pathways are implicated in invasion and metastasis. Analysis will include validation of these findings using single gene assays, immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays and functional studies investigating motility and invasion through organotypic modelling. The subsequent clinical value of this will be to understand the underlying biological mechanisms with potential for biomarker discovery in ECS. |
| Grant Type | PhD Studentship |
| Research Title | Optimisation of a Quantitative Malignancy Index Diagnostic System for Oral Cancer Detection and Tumour Margin Assessment |
| Grant Awarded To | F.Q. Qadir |
| Department | Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Services |
| Institution | Queen Mary University of London |
| Grant Start Date | 01/09/2012 |
| Grant Duration | 36 months |
| Total Amount Awarded | £65,993 |
| Abstract | Mouth cancer diagnosis is currently based on subjective visual examination of mouth tissues under the light microscope by pathologists. Most patients with oral premalignancy will never develop cancer but it is notoriously difficult to identify early signs of cancer development with current techniques. To overcome this problem, we have invented a new gene quantification method which can detect the presence of cancer cells by measuring the levels of cancer-causing genes in the tissue in biopsy samples. We aim to improve this new cancer diagnostic method further by making it more sensitive, reliable, fast and cost effective. This study involved testing 50 patients’ oral tissue samples as a proof of principle investigation to validate the diagnostic system for clinical use in the future. Such cancer diagnostic tests will provide rapid cancer diagnostic results (within hours) which helps the treating clinician to decide the most appropriate treatment strategy that is best suited for the patient which will eventually leave to reduced morbidity and mortality. |
| Grant Type | Research Fellowship |
| Research Title | Molecular and Clinical Determinants of Malignant Progression in Oral Dysplasia |
| Grant Awarded To | M.H. Ho |
| Department | Institute of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine |
| Institution | University of Liverpool |
| Grant Start Date | 01/08/2013 |
| Grant Duration | 12 months |
| Total Amount Awarded | £21,500 |
| Abstract | Mouth cancer is common worldwide and increasing in the UK. Some patients have abnormal white or red patches in the mouth which are at risk of becoming cancerous. We have already noticed that non-smokers with these patches are, surprisingly, at much higher risk than heavy smokers. In this project we aim to identify the clinical and molecular factors that might explain and predict cancerous changes. With this information we hope to design studies to help us choose between laser surgery, long-term review and discharge as the best & safest way to care for each patient. |
The following policy is intended as a procedure for the disclosure and management of any potential conflict of interest.
The research strategy was developed with the advice of the charity’s Trustees and is reviewed each year to ensure that it continues to guide the most effective use of the charity’s funds.
13
Oct
Oct
After hearing about the plight of an 18 year old Zimbabwean girl, Iain Hutchison offered his services for free. Tare’s family contacted Saving Faces through our website. Tare has a benign tumour that had grown so large around her mouth that she struggled to breathe and it was threatening her life. Continue reading
04
Aug
Aug
In 2003, Christine Dunningham was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth.
The strength of her family and friends helped her deal with her condition. Now she brings her experiences together for the benefit of others. Christine’s stirring account of her battle with mouth cancer has been put together in her own words, in her book entitled, “Thank You with a smile”.
Christine is selling copies of her book to increase awareness of mouth cancer and to raise funds for Saving Faces. If you would like to obtain a copy please contact us.
16
Jun
Jun
Dan Welldon entered a bike race in the Scottish Highlands to raise money for Saving Faces and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The race itself was eventful and made front page news in all the newspapers in Scotland as it was sabotaged by a few locals upset that the roads were closed for 3 hours early on a Sunday morning. Thus halfway through the event cyclists found themselves riding through a 20 mile carpet of nails that had been strewn along the route.