The high mortality associated with HPB tumours serves as a driver for our researchers and a driver to improve outcomes in patients affected by these diseases. Over the past two decades, Manchester researchers have developed a strong international reputation in many HPB cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma (also known as bile duct cancer), pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gallbladder cancer and ampullary cancer and also in improving outcomes for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Historically, there were few options available to treat patients with HPB cancers or neuroendocrine neoplasms primarily due to their rarity. Now, driven by the focus on improving survival, Manchester clinicians and scientists have initiated and collaborated on many studies seeking to understand how the cancers develop and discover novel treatment options for patients.

HPB Research in Manchester

HPB and neuroendocrine tumour research in Manchester is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative effort, combining the best in basic and translational science alongside clinical research in order to improve patient outcomes. The aim is to develop an understanding of cancers through identifying novel biomarkers that help identify the cancer sooner, to understand cancer metabolism and the influence of the tumour microenvironment, and finally to improve how we leverage immunology sciences to treat tumours.

From a clinical research perspective, Manchester researchers have defined the global standard of care in HPB cancers.

• The Phase III Advanced Biliary tract Cancer (ABC)-02 clinical trial, led by Professor Juan Valle, defined clinical guidelines for first-line treatment through the use of cisplatin plus gemcitabine.
• The BILCAP studies and subsequent ABC studies have built on these foundations and created further guidelines for treatment following surgery and second-line treatment in patients with the advanced disease.