Mahvash Tavassoli

The focus of her research is developing molecular strategies to enable early detection and improve treatment of head and neck cancers. Mahvash’s work has led to new insights into causes of radiotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer patients with a particular focus on the role of tumour hypoxia and interaction of cancer cells with the tumour microenvironment including cancer associated fibroblasts and cancer stem cells. This work is highly collaborative and includes development of 3D and microfluidic models for testing single and combination treatment with novel targeted therapies. Hypoxia molecular signature and biomarkers have been generated for patients’ treatment stratifications and tailored treatment.

An additional area of research involves the synthesis and labelling of a tumour selective cytotoxic drug apoptin as an efficient and less toxic cancer drug. This is being done in close co-operation with the King’s Chemistry Department through joint funding and co-supervision of PhD students with Dr Manuel Muller, and the ongoing research of Dr Adam Sedgwick. There is interest from industry in this project.