CRUK RadNet Glasgow Centre

The aim of this group is to develop and evaluate radiotherapy strategies for HCC with an emphasis on integration of preclinical and clinical researchers and resources. Strategies under investigation include molecular and biological studies, preclinical model development, advanced imaging and nuclear medicine, for translation into early-phase RT clinical trials. 

The group addresses the specific biological and clinical challenges of HCC, including diagnosis and stratification, tumour heterogeneity, and the need to deliver stereotactic ablative RT with optimal motion management and adaptive RT approaches. We encourage interaction and collaboration between laboratory based scientists and clinical researchers to ensure that preclinical studies are guided by clinical need, with clinical trial design likewise being informed by preclinical evidence. Research includes optimisation of radiotherapy delivery, image led disease characterisation and response assessment, and integration of radiotherapy with systemic and locoregional therapies. The overarching aim is to improve outcomes for patients with HCC, which is a cancer of unmet need that is increasing in incidence, especially in Scotland. 

The group comprises multidisciplinary researchers including but not limited to medical oncologists, radiologists, clinical oncologists, medical physicists, radiographers, leaders in nuclear medicine, basic scientists, and CRUK RadNet members. This diverse range of expertise supports integrated research across biology, imaging, therapies, RT treatment delivery, and clinical translation. 

Theme Leads 

Dr Derek Grose, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor (University of Glasgow)

Dr Aileen Duffton, Honorary Senior Lecturer (University of Glasgow) 

Members 

Professor Thomas Bird 

• Professor of Hepatobiliary Cancer (University of Edinburgh) 
• Honorary Consultant Hepatologist (University of Edinburgh) 
• Senior Clinical Lecturer (University of Edinburgh) 

Professor David Collville, Professor of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging (University of Glasgow)

Dr Stephanie May

• Associate Scientist (CRUK Scotland Instuitute)
• Honorary Lecturer (University of Glasgow) 

Robyn Stansbridge 

The HCC focus group supports a portfolio of preclinical, translational, and clinically focused research projects, including:

• HCC radiotherapy strategies – Development and evaluation of HCC RT approaches, including stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), motion management, adaptive RT strategies, dose optimisation, and preservation of healthy liver function.

• Advanced imaging and nuclear medicine in HCC – Use of multimodal imaging (CT, MR, PET) and novel nuclear medicine protocols to improve tumour characterisation, target definition, and assessment of treatment response and toxicity.

•  Systemic and locoregional therapies – Evaluation of radiotherapy in combination with systemic therapies, including immunotherapy, and established locoregional treatments. Studies are designed to inform feasibility and design of early-phase clinical trials.

• Preclinical and clinical research collaborations – Use of relevant preclinical models to address clinically driven questions in HCC RT, to facilitate the development of treatment strategies based on biological and imaging investigations.

Activity within the theme is supported through CRUK Glasgow RadNet infrastructure and programme funding, alongside support from:

• Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
• Beatson Cancer Charity
• ADD 

The group works closely with HCC multidisciplinary clinical teams, NHS oncology services, radiotherapy and imaging research groups, nuclear medicine departments, and national and international HCC research networks. These collaborations facilitate collaborations and support trial development, aligned with cancer research initiatives.