UKKCC
The aim of UK Keratinocyte Cancer Collaborative (UKKCC) is to support internationally competitive keratinocyte cancer research in the UK for the benefit of all.
Who we are
The UK keratinocyte cancer collaborative (UKKCC) is a collaborative network of interested clinicians, pathologists and scientists aiming to support epidemiological and molecular research of excellence in the UK for the benefit of all. The UKKCC will focus initially on a molecular atlas for cutaneous SCC to be used as the basis for future funding applications by members and trainee members of the BAD. UKKCC Committee is chaired by Professor Irene Leigh with members comprising national experts in the UK
What we do?
The three work streams of UKKCC include:
UK Keratinocyte Cancer Collaborative – Generating an Atlas for Skin Cancer
About the study
The ‘Skin Atlas’ study has received a generous grant through an open call managed by the British Skin Foundation (BSF) and funded by the BAD to create a biobank for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This is to investigate the genetic drivers and biomarkers of high-risk cSCC. Research sites across the UK will collect and curate biomaterial for molecular analyses aiming to better understand the biology of this common cancer. The tissue resource, molecular database and analytical pipelines created by the study will then be used to support future translational keratinocyte cancer research. Full details of the study can be found in the study Protocol.
The study is initially running for three years, during which time it aims to collect 60 fresh frozen tumours (FFT) and identify 400 archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumours. If further sustainable funding is found the study would aim to continue and to collect a further 500 samples over 5-10 years.
All cSCC tumours submitted to the molecular study will be evaluated by pathologists, digitally scanned, logged, and included in the UKKCC Biobank, which will be based within the Glasgow Tissue Biorepository. Molecular analysis will use state-of-the art methodology and analytics including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), Image Mass Cytometry and Bulk RNA sequencing.
The study is led by Chief Investigator Charlotte Proby, Sponsored by University of Dundee, and collaborators consist of a consortium of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists, and epidemiologists.
How is the study progressing?
The study is open and recruiting, having been approved by both a Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Health Research Authority (HRA). A number of sites are actively collecting samples and other sites are in various stages of set up. It is hoped to have up to 20 sites across the UK collecting samples by end of 2024.
Where is the study being carried out?
Study sites will be in Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Gloucestershire, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norfolk & Norwich, Southampton, South Warwickshire and Tayside
How can you be involved in the study?
This UKKCC Skin Atlas study is adopted onto the NIHR portfolio and is registered for the NIHR Associate PI Investigator scheme. This six month in-work training opportunity is potentially an excellent way for trainees to be involved in clinical research. Anyone interested should contact Charlotte Proby who would be happy to discuss this opportunity: Email: c.proby@dundee.ac.uk
Get Involved
If you are interested in receiving updates about the UK Keratinocyte Cancer Collaborative (UKKCC,) please click the button below to complete the expression of interest form to receive news about the ongoing work, and opportunities to become involved.