Ongoing Projects

There are a number of research studies and clinical collaborations which are active or under development. Please click on the links below for further information.

• The UK Keratinocyte Cancer Collaborative (UKKCC)
  The UKKCC is a network of interested clinicians, dermato-pathologists, epidemiologists, and scientists working together in the UK to support keratinocyte cancer research of excellence, including epidemiological and molecular research. The UKKCC has been funded by the British Skin Foundation to establish a keratinocyte cancer biobank and to undertake an initial molecular ‘Skin Atlas’ project.  This research project will be comparing skin cancers from immunosuppressed and immune competent individuals and is affiliated with BSSCII. 
  The UKKCC has a steering committee chaired by Professor Irene Leigh, and Prof. Charlotte Proby is Chief Investigator for the ‘Skin Atlas’ study.  This skin atlas study has been adopted onto the NIHR portfolio and is registered for the NIHR Associate PI scheme.

• SPOT-IT Trial
  The SPOT-IT (cutaneous SCC Prevention using Topical Therapy in Immunosuppressed patients) trial is investigating cSCC prevention in immunocompromised populations.

• The Contemporary management and Outcomes After cutaneous SCC in Transplant recipients (COAST) study
  After their first cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), up to 75% of kidney transplant recipients will develop a further cSCC and their risk of metastasis is increased. Evidence is limited about which secondary prevention strategies are currently being undertaken in transplant centres across the UK and how these may impact upon outcomes. To address this, the UK COAST multicentre retrospective cohort study, led by Dr Matthew Bottomley (University of Oxford and BSSCII), is evaluating contemporary management and outcomes after first cSCC in kidney transplant recipients.

• Improving outcomes in Organ Transplant Recipients with cutaneous SCC
  The aim of this retrospective multi-centre study is to improve risk stratification tools, to help guide management after SCC diagnosis in organ transplant recipients. To find out more, please contact Emilia Peleva (BSSCII).

• SCC-AFTER
  SCC-AFTER is a phase III randomised trial evaluating use of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with high-risk primary cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma after surgery. SCC-AFTER is starting recruitment in 2024 and will be conducted across 25 UK centres.
  Chief Investigators: Dr Agata Rembielak and Prof Catherine Harwood (BSSCII chair).

• MOTH study
  The international, multicentre MOTH (Mucocutaneous disorders in Organ Transplant recipients living with HIV) study aims to assess the burden of skin disease in people living with HIV who are also organ transplant recipients. Chief Investigator: Professor Catherine Harwood (BSSCII chair).

• Research study: MyMelanoma
  A large cohort study which aims to recruit at least 20,000 participants who have been treated by the NHS for melanoma of the skin and other body sites

Clinical Guidelines and Other Initiatives:

• Consensus Statement Development Group:
  A national, multidisciplinary working party is working to establish UK expert Consensus Guidelines on Skin Surveillance for Solid Organ Transplants. Chaired by Dr Tanya Basu, BSSCII Past President.

• Management of skin toxicities and checkpoint inhibitors and the Guidelines Development Group with Melanoma Focus
  Melanoma Charity for Professionals, Patients and Public – Melanoma Focus:
  A national guidelines development group (including Dr Louise Fearfield, Dr Catherine Harwood and Dr Rubeta Matin, BSSCII) is developing guidelines for skin toxicity management associated with checkpoint inhibitors, with Melanoma Focus. Chaired by: Dr Andrew Muinonen-Martin, Leeds who presented the outline of the guidelines at last year’s BSSCII meeting. The final draft guidelines are due to be presented at the October meeting of Melanoma Focus. Dr Louise Fearfield is also giving a talk at this year’s BSSCII meeting on the practical aspects of managing toxicities associated with checkpoint inhibitors based on her recent publication in the British Journal of Dermatology How to recognize and manage skin toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a practical approach – PubMed (nih.gov)

• The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Associate Principal Investigator Scheme 
  Now open for the UKKCC ‘Generating a Molecular Skin Atlas study’ This Associate PI scheme is a six month in-work training opportunity and is an excellent way for trainees to start their research career. The scheme provides practical experience and formal recognition from the NIHR and Royal Colleges with a certificate on completion of the scheme. It makes a significant contribution to your research portfolio and is open to any healthcare professional, including specialist trainees and NHS Consultants. Anyone interested should contact Charlotte Proby who would be happy to discuss this opportunity. Email: c.proby@dundee.ac.uk 

• The Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network 
  The IOCN is a multi-specialty community, which aims:
  – To support health care professionals delivering immuno-oncology therapies to improve patient care through clinical support, education, service development and governance.
  – To promote and support research or any activities that will progress knowledge and understanding of immuno-oncology treatments and the associated side effects.