Research

Investigating the early inflammatory events occurring at the initiation of mesothelioma within the pleural cavity

Investigations are underway to try and unpick the inflammatory cascade that is initiated within the pleural cavity following arrival of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.  We aim to determine the role of FALCs within the pericardium & mediastinum in the co-ordination of pleural cavity inflammation in order to better understand how mesothlioma develops & can be targeted.

This project is currently funded by the Sir John Fisher Foundation.

These in vitro & in vivo studies are complemented by clinical investigations quantifying the immune environment of pleural fluid isolated from patients with mesothelioma in a collaborative project with Dr Claire Rooney of the Beatson Institute. This study if funded by a Mesothelioma pump-priming grant from the AUK-BLF Partnership.