Research in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine
The Department of Pathology and Molecular is an active and productive member of the research community. It is dedicated to investigating disease processes to facilitate effective treatments and improve health outcomes. Departmental staff and students regularly present at meetings and conferences and publish in peer reviewed publications.
Current research activities within the Department focus on the causes and behaviour of various cancers with a specific emphasis on prostrate, kidney, breast, cervix, and bladder malignancy. Urogenital pathology and dental research are also areas of research interest.
Major Areas of Research
Urogenital Pathology
Research activities are focussed on the classification, diagnosis, molecular biology, growth kinetics and outcome prediction for adult and childhood renal tumours. Other areas of research are: the pathogenesis and spread of bladder cancer; the pathenogenesis, diagnosis and behaviour of testicular tumours and prostate cancer; and progeria kidney.
Molecular Pathology
The Wakefield Biomedical Research Unit moved to the department from Wakefield Hospital in 2009. It has a strong research focus on the molecular basis of the spread of colorectal cancer and the fundamental cause of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Prostate Cancer Research
The Prostate Cancer Trials Unit is a research unit within the department participating in international and local clinical trials to treat prostate cancer. Research activities are focussed on the classification, in particular the Gleason categories, diagnosis and effective treatment of prostate cancer.
Dental Research
The Dental Research Unit has an extensive research programme investigating dental mineralisation, causes of tooth decay and oral microbiology. Studies to date include plaque growth and development, regulation of plaque pH, urea metabolism, plaque mineralisation by calcium phosphates, enamel demineralisation and fluoride effects, antiplaque agents, and the biodiversity and ecology of dental plaque bacterial communities. The Unit houses a novel computer-controlled ‘multiplaque artificial mouth’. This allows the development of realistic plaque microcosm biofilm model systems.