The ionic tumour microenvironment

Metastatic disease is incurable and there is an urgent need for new biomarkers and preventative therapies. Our research has shown that proliferating malignant tumours display increased sodium content compared to surrounding normal tissue, and tumour sodium concentration is reduced by chemotherapy. 

By using electrophysiology and advanced imaging (MRI) to understand how and why sodium accumulates in solid tumours, we aim to explore its utility as both a biomarker and therapeutic target. We are working with mathematicians, physicists, pharmacologists, radiologists and oncologists across the UK and internationally with the goal of translating this work into clinical trials.

This work is currently supported by funders including York Against Cancer, the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, Bowel Research UK, and Cancer Research UK.

Areas of interest

• Mapping the tumour sodium content in preclinical models and breast cancer patients, including the NaRNIA clinical trial in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. 
• Understanding the pathophysiological links between sodium and other aspects of the tumour microenvironment.
• Repurposing ion transport modulating drugs, eg antiepileptics, to treat cancer.