Advancing Cancer Diagnostics at Queen’s University Belfast

At Queen’s, pioneering research is demonstrating how data intelligence and molecular innovation are transforming colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. By leveraging advanced analytics and interdisciplinary collaboration, researchers are addressing critical challenges in cancer care while driving innovation in health policy and clinical practice. This work is setting new benchmarks for evidence-based decision-making and patient-focused care in the UK and beyond.

Navigating the Data Revolution in Cancer Care

Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in treatment, the vast complexity of molecular data presents a challenge for clinicians and researchers alike. The critical task is to translate this wealth of information into actionable insights that improve patient outcomes. Queen’s University Belfast researchers at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR) are tackling this challenge by integrating digital pathology, molecular pathology, bioinformatics, and digital health strategies to enhance cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine.

Data as a Catalyst for Progress

Queen’s researchers at PGJCCR are at the forefront of utilizing data-driven approaches to improve colorectal cancer outcomes. Led by Professors Manuel Salto-Tellez and Jacqueline James of the Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, which is part of PGJCCR, and other PGJCCR colorectal cancer experts like Dr. Philip Dunne and Professor Mark Lawler, the Queen’s team is driving innovations in molecular and digital pathology, digital health, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Key elements of this research include:

• Precision Diagnostics: Developing tools that utilize patient clinical, pathological and molecular data to provide diagnostic insights, ensuring timely and accurate treatment decisions
• Data Integration and Analysis: Employing advanced bioinformatics and machine learning/AI to manage and analyze vast datasets, enabling the translation of complex molecular information into new areas of research and improved patient treatment
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Bringing together diverse fields such as digital pathology, molecular pathology, bioinformatics, molecular biology and digital health to tackle complex challenges in colorectal cancer care
• Momentum One Zero (a Belfast Regional City Deal Initiative): Establishing secure, connected data platforms that allow patient data to be interrogated in a secure way thereby allowing multiple disciplines to work together towards the development of innovative ways to tackle colorectal cancer

“Our research is about changing lives by bringing precision medicine into routine cancer care. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of molecular diagnostics reach every colorectal cancer patient, improving outcomes globally.” 

- Philip Dunne

Changing Lives Through Data-Driven Care

The work at The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s has delivered tangible improvements to colorectal cancer care:

• Personalized Treatment Pathways: Data-informed diagnostics and stratified medicine approaches are enabling clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patient needs, reducing unnecessary interventions and improving outcomes and patient quality-of-life
• Policy Influence: Research findings are shaping health policy, ensuring that molecular diagnostics and data-driven insights are embedded in cancer care strategies across the UK
• Global Collaboration: Through initiatives like Momentum One Zero (a pillar of the Belfast Regional City Deal), Queen’s researchers at PGJCCR are fostering international partnerships to address global healthcare challenges collaboratively
• Empowering Future Researchers: Queen’s is training the next generation of researchers with skills in data analytics and molecular and digital pathology, ensuring that advances in colorectal cancer care continue to accelerate

One flagship project demonstrated the power of data-driven decision-making by developing a molecular diagnostic test that identifies colorectal cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy. This innovation has reduced overtreatment and enhanced quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Queen’s University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.