GlaHNC
The Glasgow Head and Neck Cancer Research Group, part of Cancer Research UK RadNet (Radiation Research Network) Glasgow, was established in August 2021 by Dr Claire Paterson (Consultant Clinical Oncologist) and Miss Catriona Douglas (Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon) with the aim of building a world leading head and neck cancer research programme in the West of Scotland to benefit the local population.
Membership
Co-Chairs
Dr Claire Paterson, Consultant Clinical Oncologist (Beatson Cancer Centre)
Catriona Douglas, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon (Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital)
Core Membership
We have a multi-disciplinary group of core members who meet quarterly.
Dr David Colville, Professor of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging (University of Glasgow)
Professor David Conway, Professor of Dental Public Health (University of Glasgow)
Dr Grant Creaney, Clinical Lecturer in Dental Public Health (University of Glasgow)
Lisa Hay, Affiliate-RadNet Radographer (University of Glasgow)
- Professor (CRUK Scotland Institute)
- Director of Research (School of Cancer Sciences)
- Associate Dean of Research (MVLAS College Senior Management)
Clare McKenzie, Registered Dietitian
Dr Alex McMahon, Reader (University of Glasgow)
Dr Michaela Raponi, Senior Scientific Officer (Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute)
Dr Christina Schoenherr, Senior Scientific Officer (Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute)
Craig Smith, Research Assistant (University of Glasgow)
Dr Jennifer Taylor, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Oral Medicine and Medicine in Relation to Dentistry (University of Glasgow)
Dr Conchita Vens, Reader in Translational Radiobiology (University of Glasgow)
Dr Sylvia Wright, Consultant Pathologist (Queen Elizabeth University Hospital)
Early Career Researchers
GLAHNC is committed to supporting the next generation of head and neck cancer researchers. Our current research fellows include several promising clinicians, many of whom are pursuing doctoral studies. We are grateful to the organisations who fund their academic activities.
Dr Stephanie Anderson, Clinical Research Fellow (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by Beatson Cancer Charity
Nick Beacher, Clinical Senior Lecturer (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by University of Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Kelten Clements, BDS Student
- Funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships 2022
Dominique Forson, Medical Student (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by Royal College of Radiologists Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2025
Mariel Goulart, Research Assistant (University of Glasgow)
Kate Hulse, Honorary Clinical Lecturer (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by a clinical fellowship from the CSO NHS Innovation Hub
Rhona Hurley, Clinical Research Fellow (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by Cancer Research UK as part of the TRACC CRTF-PhD program
Dr Lucy Li, Clinical Research Fellow (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by a CSO Clinical Academic Fellowship, to take up post 2026
Dr Karen Mactier, Honorary Clinical Lecturer (University of Glasgow)
- Funded by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian endowments funds
Research Projects
Our main research themes are epidemiological studies focused on inequalities, and developing and delivering clinical trials and translational research for this underserved population.
Current studies include:
HEADSpAcE
Head and Neck Cancer in South America and Europe. This WHO-IARC coordinated study is building a multicentre cohort investigating factors associated with late stage head and neck cancer.
BARITONE
MRI guided biologically adaptive radiotherapy for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. An associated sample collection program before, during and after radiotherapy is optional for participants.
Radiotherapy failure after treatment of oropharyngeal cancer
Most patients who have an HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer do very well after treatment however a small subset of these patients go on to develop recurrence of their cancer. This study will examine these patients in more detail to better understand why these patients develop recurrence.
COVID-19 and HNC
The impact of the covid pandemic on head and neck cancer survival outcomes – the pandemic had a significant impact on UK healthcare. This study aims to look at the impact on patients with head and neck cancer diagnosed during that time.
Prediction of local relapse
Prediction of local relapse of high-risk oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma following radical (chemo)-irradiation using a multi-omics approach
Digital technology and symptom tracking after treatment for head and neck cancer
Understanding squamous cancer metastasis, progression and outcomes
INDEPTH
INtegrated DEep molecular Phenotyping to improve Treatment outcomes in Head and neck cancer patients.
MOONRISE
Elucidating the mutational signatures of biological and environmental causes of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs): Moonrise case control study
Funding
In addition to funding for fellowships listed above, GlaHNC members are grateful recipients of research funding awards from several organisations:
- BAHNO research awards 2025
- Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK
- Beatson Cancer Charity
- Cancer Research UK
- European Union Horizon 2020 fund
- Royal College of Radiologists Karol Sicher Cancer Research Fellowship 2022
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organisation (IARC-WHO)
Collaborations
The GlaHNC group are proud to be part of the Northern Head and Neck Alliance (NHNA), a network of head and neck cancer experts from Scotland and the North of England, led by Professor Terry Jones.
The GlaHNC group are also delighted to participate in the International Centre for Recurrent head and neck cancer (IREC) network led by Professor Vin Paleri.
Oral Cancer Team and HEADSpAcE Data Centre. International Agency for Research on Cancer led by Dr Shama Virani.