The project is part of the Inspire scheme which is led by the Academy of Medical Sciences and is funded by the Wellcome Trust. It aims to encourage medical and dental undergraduates to pursue scientific research.
The award has been made to first-year dental student Michael Daldry. Michael will work with Vehid Salih and Sam Gould from the Peninsula School of Dentistry. Michael will use 3D artificial oral muscosa cells, developed by Sam and Vehid, to emulate oral cancer in laboratory conditions.
In 2014, 11,449 new cases of oral cancer were diagnosed in the UK, and there were 2,386 deaths caused by the condition. Survival rates for head and neck cancers range from 19-59 per cent and 91 per cent are preventable.
By mimicking tumour cell creation, development and growth in squamous cell carcinoma (the most common type of mouth cancer accounting for 90 per cent of cases), it is hoped that Michael’s project will create a replicable and reliable system to test a number of factors, including the impact of connective tissue on tumour development, how oral cancer moves and how tumour cells communicate with each other.
Whereas in the past such research might be limited to the number of animal cells that could be acquired and used, this system allows for almost limitless availability of 3D cell models.
The creation of such a sustainable method may well lead to the development of new treatments and therapies.
Michael said, “I’ve a keen interest in maxillofacial and oral surgery and, when shadowing consultants in preparation for interviews, I realised many were active in research. As the concept of evidence-based practice continues to advance, I feel it is important to have fundamental cell biological research knowledge and understanding to provide the best possible care for our patients. This is why I am involved with this exciting tissue engineering research and my thanks go to PUPSMD and the Peninsula Medical Foundation for this opportunity.”
Vehid Salih, associate professor in oral and dental health research at PUPSMD, commented, “We were impressed by Michael’s application and we are looking forward to working with him on this project. Tissue engineering reduces or eliminates the need to use animals in research and provides scientists with more sustainable and flexible cell model platforms with which to work. This particular application in relation to the most common form of oral cancer has important potential.”
Denis Wilkins, chair of the Peninsula Medical Foundation, added, “The foundation is really pleased to be supporting talented students like Michael, who are helping to further important research and gaining invaluable experience for their future careers in medicine. We wish him well with this exciting venture.”