Global delegation descends upon HeRC for the 6th annual Diabetes and Cancer Research Consortium

Health data scientists from nine countries attended the international Diabetes and Cancer Research Consortium (DCRC) hosted by HeRC theme lead and cancer surgeon Prof Andrew Renehan at The University of Manchester.

Over two days (9^th & 10^th March 2015) 35 world-leading investigators at the forefront of research seeking to understand more about the overlap between cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D) attended a packed programme of seminars and workshops at Chancellors Hotel, Manchester.

Designed to provide a whistle-stop overview of each Centre’s research highlights from the last twelve months; the DCRC creates an opportunity for multidisciplinary investigators to debate research methods and question current findings. By challenging existing scientific thinking, the DCRC acts as a catalyst for new ideas and new international collaborations.

Formed in 2010 the DCRC was established following a mandate from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). The EASD appointed a task-force of leading researchers in response to a series of controversial papers published in 2009, that linked a commonly prescribed treatment for T2D with an increased risk of cancer; bridging the two traditionally separate disease areas. The task force set up the DCRC as part of a wider package of measures that sought to respond to this emerging field of research.

Assembling a who’s who of specialists working at the crossroads of diabetes and cancer research, the task force (comprising Professor Edwin Gale, Professor Andrew Renehan and Bendix Carstensen) organised the inaugural DCRC which took place in Copenhagen in 2010. Since this time international interest in the consortium has swelled with 2015’s event hosting representatives from Canada, Australia, the USA and a host of European centres of excellence including for the first time, Iceland.

The DCRC allows researchers the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss research methods in an informal and safe environment. Through the creation of a platform that encourages researchers to collaborate and share best practice, the DCRC is advancing the scale of T2D diabetes and cancer research by harmonising research objectives and streamlining effort.

With each research centre being invited to present an update to their work the discussion was free flowing and constructive.

Alongside research updates the event delegates had the opportunity to attend a lecture by The University of Manchester’s Professor Michael Lisanti. Listed as one of Top 100 Most-Cited Researchers in Biochemistry and Biology, Prof Lisanti presented his research into the use of antibiotics in treating certain cancer types.

Professor Andrew Renehan said: “We have created a unique setting in the DCRC for world-leading researchers to come together as peers and discuss and debate their work openly. It is fantastic to see such a wide range of nations united in advancing our understanding of the relationship between T2D and certain cancer types.

Our goal in setting-up the DCRC was to enhance opportunities for research collaborations and develop the mechanism to translate our findings into clinical practice. We are currently working on the development of a new partnership which if successful will lead to an exciting step-change in our research scope and impact.”

Please click the link to see the Diabetes and Cancer Research Consortium photos taken at the event.

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For further information, please contact Stephen Melia, Communications Officer for the Health eResearch Centre on 0161 306 7876 or 07557 310 213