Prof Kaye Williams BSc PhD

Research interests

Kaye currently leads an integrated and multi-disciplinary team whose overall goal is to exploit tumour hypoxia and the factors that govern cellular response to this tumour specific micro- environmental stress for therapeutic benefit. Specific avenues of Kaye’s research have focussed upon the contribution of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) to tumour growth and response to therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Novel findings from these studies have highlighted HIF-1 as a key target for anti-cancer therapeutic design and in particular have provided a rationale for the application of HIF-1 targeted therapies in combination with conventional chemo and/or radiotherapy. In addition to using HIF-1 targeted approaches Kaye also has a keen interest in the use of other molecular targeted therapies in combination with radiation treatment. In particular she has investigated the impact of novel agents on the underlying mechanisms that govern radiation response to enable their optimal application in a clinical radiotherapy context. These studies have underpinned ongoing clinical trials within The Christie, Manchester, that are showing positive patient benefit. Recently, Kaye has taken a lead role in the development of pre-clinical imaging for oncology applications within the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. The focus here is to develop, validate and apply image derived biomarkers to assess changes in tumour biology and therapeutic response. Kaye played a key role in the recent successful application to develop an EPSRC/CRUK funded Comprehensive Cancer Imaging Centre between the Universities of Manchester and Cambridge.

Patents filed and approved

• Therapeutic combinations comprising poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases inhibitor. 05801173.5-2123-IB2005002900, filed Sept 2005
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. PCT/EP2011/052156, filed Feb 2011

If you would like to apply for a PhD under the supervision of Professor Williams, please visit this page.