Our Group
Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology
Cancer Genetics Building
St. James’s University Hospital
Leeds LS9 7TF
Group leader
Professor Julia A. Newton Bishop
Melanoma Group Leader
Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology
Cancer Genetics Building
St. James’s University Hospital
Leeds LS9 7TF
E-mail: j.a.newton-bishop@leeds.ac.uk
Phone: 44 (0)113 2064668
Personal Assistant: Katie Cairns 44( 0) 1132064573
Fax: 44 (0)113 2340183
The Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Leeds works to understand and identify genes predisposing to melanoma, bowel and testis cancers. It is also involved in developing statistical methods and applying these methods to the cancers being studied.
The group is also concerned with understanding how genes interact with lifestyle in determining risk of cancer and survival.
Melanoma research
In the melanoma group, lead by Professor Newton Bishop, we have studied high penetrance genes (familial melanoma genes) from families with multiple cases of melanoma. To investigate lower penetrance susceptibility genes and the interaction between genes and the environment (with respect to survival), we recruited a large cohort of melanoma patients (2184 patients participated in a study we call the Leeds Melanoma Cohort), their families and matched population controls.
We also study patients who have relapsed with melanoma and compared them to controls who have not relapsed in order to look at factors associated with prognosis. We have shown for example that patients with higher vitamin D levels when they are diagnosed are less likely to have further recurrence of their melanoma. Although we have stopped recruiting to the Leeds Melanoma Cohort we continue to use the data and samples we collected to try to understand recurrence and the effects that genes and lifestyles have on recurrence. We will continue to post summaries of the research as it is published on this web site within the information for patients.
Information for families with Melanoma taking part in research in Leeds
This Familial Melanoma Study has now ceased recruitment in the UK. We continue to work on the data and the samples collected however in order to identify genes which increase the risk of this form of skin cancer. We will continue to post summaries of the research as it is published on this web site within the information for patients.
Additional Links
Cancer Bacup
www.cancerbacup.org.uk/Home
This is the national cancer information service for people who have been diagnosed with cancer. There are comprehensive booklets for most of the cancers that can be ordered and information online about them. It also provides up-to-date information about trials and treatments.
Wessex Cancer Trust
www.wessexcancer.org
This is the UK’s only specialist skin cancer helpline and advice centre. The skin cancer section of the site provides information about the different skin cancers, skin disorders and sun protection.
Genetic Interest Group
www.gig.org.uk
This is a national alliance of patient organizations. Each of the organizations focuses on a different genetic disorder.
Human Genetics Commission
www.hgc.gov.uk
This is the UK government website on genetics.