Cambridge, UK: 22nd June 2007; Dr Nicholas Coleman, of the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre in Cambridge, was awarded The Overall Cancer Innovation Award by Medical Futures last week for his work on cancer biomarkers.

The award recognises the potential significance of Dr Coleman’s research into minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins, which are now in clinical trials to test how well they can be used to detect cervical cancer.

His innovation could help to revolutionise cancer screening by providing an accurate way of detecting a range of cancers early.

Dr Coleman said: “The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance of a cure for the patient. These proteins are excellent markers of cancerous and precancerous cells. They allow us to detect abnormalities in cervical smears very accurately and can also improve the early diagnosis of other common cancers, for example those of the large bowel and lung.”

The original research was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research Technology Ltd, the specialist cancer development and commercialisation company owned by Cancer Research UK, out-licensed the cervical screening technology to TriPath Imaging Inc. in 2005.

Kate Law, director of clinical trials at Cancer Research UK, said: “Early diagnosis is the single most important factor for improving survival prospects for many types of cancer.

"High levels of MCM proteins reflect a faulty process in cells that begins long before the tumour reaches an easily detectable size. MCM proteins therefore have potential as the basis of simple non-invasive tests for a range of cancers, including cervical, bladder, colorectal, lung, and cancer of the oesophagus.

"Such tests could enable cost-effective cervical and oral cancer screening in the developing world."

ENDS

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Notes to editors:

Cancer Research Technology
Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist commercialisation and development company, which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Further information about CRT can be found at www.CancerTechnology.com

About Cancer Research UK
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer. The charity carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer. It ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients. Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make. The charity works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer. For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

About the MRC
The Medical Research Council is dedicated to improving human health through excellent science. It invests on behalf of the UK taxpayer. Its work ranges from molecular level science to public health research, carried out in universities, hospitals and a network of its own units and institutes. The MRC liaises with the Health Departments, the National Health Service and industry to take account of the public’s needs. The results have led to some of the most significant discoveries in medical science and benefited the health and wealth of millions of people in the UK and around the world. www.mrc.ac.uk

About Medical Futures
Medical Futures is a private company that runs the Innovation Awards on a not-for-profit basis and hosts other media and communication activities relating to innovation.

The Medical Futures Innovation Awards
A Medical Futures Innovation Award is the UK's most sought after healthcare accolade. The Awards, now in their sixth year, are a national showcase of clinical and commercial excellence. Run on a not-for-profit basis by an energetic team of doctors, media and communication experts, the Awards aim to nurture, support and reward healthcare professionals on the front line of care delivery, turning their ideas into products and services that can benefit patients.
Winning a Medical Futures Innovation Award brings unparalleled validation and endorsement to a doctor’s idea, project or business. Past winners have gained widespread publicity and introduction to investors and industry leaders.

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