Helen Rollason Research Laboratory

The Helen Rollason Research Laboratory was opened in April 2003. It is located within and managed in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, Essex.

Pioneering work at the laboratory continues to gather pace. We currently have scientists undertaking research into breast cancer, using freshly collected tumour specimens and blood samples from breast cancer patients.

The work of the scientists would not be possible without the local help from many professionals based at Broomfield Hospital and other local hospitals, as well as the Breast Unit at the Chelmsford and Essex Centre. The researchers also work in close collaboration with fellow scientists nationally and internationally.

Our aim is to gain a greater understanding of breast cancer from these research projects, potentially resulting in better treatment options for patients, better prognosis and higher survival rates.

Current projects

The researchers are currently working on a range of projects:
• Looking at mechanisms within the cell which make cancer cells start
.. to spread.
• Investigating a new potential biomarker (BORIS) with Dr Elena
.. Klenova at Essex University looking at whether we can predict
.. response to chemotherapy or recurrence.
• Linking with Essex University to use proteomics to investigate novel
.. biomarkers.
• Collaborating with the Karolinska Institute in Sweden to investigate
.. responses to chemotherapy.

All studies involving patients must be ethically approved by the Local Ethics Council, fully risk assessed by Anglia Ruskin University and approved by the charity.

The Helen Rollason Research Laboratory is core funded by the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and Anglia Ruskin University. Individual research projects are also funded from external grants.

“The Helen Rollason Research Laboratory has superb equipment for us to conduct breast cancer research. Our scientists, who work in collaboration with many other world-class research centres across the UK and Europe, are currently researching the mechanisms that allow breast tumours to spread, possible markers for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease, and whether we can predict responses to chemotherapy”.
Professor Paul Sauven, Director of the Helen Rollason Research Laboratory

“To have scientists undertaking world-class cancer research on this campus is a real coup for the university. We are delighted to be part of this research programme and look forward to building on our relationship with the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in the future.”
Professor David Humber, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University