Elucidating Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) through modular classification
The University of Manchester and University of Melbourne are joining forces and combining their expertise in genomic sequencing to improve the diagnosis and care for patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP).
.jpg)
Identifying the challenges of CUP
Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) occurs when cancer spreads from its primary source to another part of the body, but the primary source remains unknown. The difficulty surrounding determining the cancer’s origin means that patients often don’t get a definitive diagnosis.
It is the sixth highest cause of cancer death in the UK and Australia but due to the insufficient understanding of its biology, an absence of reliable biomarkers, and disagreement over its diagnosis and management, the treatment options are limited and patient prognosis is generally poor.
“CUP is an under-researched cancer, so people diagnosed aren’t able to get access to tests and treatments people with other types have available. With our counterparts in Melbourne, we’re creating a powerful hub of combined expert knowledge that'll help build a universal understanding of CUP and transform the lives of patients worldwide. ”
Dr Natalie Cooke, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Division of Cancer Sciences
Establishing best practice for CUP diagnosis and management
Both The University of Manchester and University of Melbourne are leading centres for CUP research, with programmes running at both. Manchester is assessing and comparing genomic sequencing of CUP and exploring new computational models to support the identification of biomarkers and predict the response to personalised treatments. Melbourne researchers are conducting a national genomics study which will assess the social and economic benefits of genomics on the clinical management of CUP.
The scientific synergies between the two institutions creates exciting potential to explore a range of themes, including:
- The role and clinical utility of liquid biopsies.
- Incorporation of digital technologies in CUP management.
- Imaging, diagnostics and bioinformatics.
- Pre-clinical model development.
- The exploration of anti-cancer immunity.
Together, we’re working towards the development of an international consensus on best practice for CUP diagnosis and management.
During the project, standard operating procedures for specimen handling, processing and analysis were agreed, providing much-needed standardisation to support the discovery of biomarkers that could transform diagnosis of CUP. Standardisation of clinical data collection also enables clinical trials across different locations to be directly compared.
.jpg)
Generating meaningful advancements
The benefits of the partnership go beyond science. It continues to generate meaningful advancements towards an international understanding of CUP, and a universal approach to research and treatment. This was recently supported by an international meeting that brought together the wider CUP research community and built momentum around the adoption of a strategic global approach to CUP care.
Other benefits include opening up opportunities for collaborative publications, joint funding applications and supporting the continued exchange of knowledge, skills development and networking for PhD students and early career researchers.
Capitalising on our combined expertise, the partnership looks to continue building a better understanding of the biology of CUP and advance our shared aims to improve prognosis and quality of life for patients.
International partnerships
The University of Manchester fosters pioneering collaborations with organisations and institutions around the world.
We work with businesses, universities, policy makers and more to bring the benefits of our expertise to industry and society.