The Helen Rollason Charity Research Laboratory opened in April 2003 by

Nikki Rollason and our Patron, the Lord Coe KBE.  It is located within and managed in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University.

The work at the Charity's research laboratory was initiated by Professor Neville Davidson.  Pioneering work at the Laboratory continues to gather pace. There are currently scientists undertaking research into breast cancer, using freshly collected tumour specimens and blood samples from breast cancer patients.

The work of the scientists would not be possible without the local help from many professionals based at Broomfield Hospital and other local hospitals, as well as the Breast Unit at the Chelmsford and Essex Centre.  The researchers also work in close collaboration with fellow scientists nationally and internationally.

The objective of the research is to gain greater understanding of breast cancer, potentially resulting in better treatment options for patients, better prognosis and higher survival rates.

The researchers are currently working on a range of projects:

• Looking at mechanisms within the cell which make cancer cells start to spread.
• Investigating a new potential biomarker (BORIS) with Dr. Elena Klenova at Essex University looking at whether we can predict response to chemotherapy or recurrence.
• Linking with Essex University to use proteomics to investigate novel biomarkers.
• Collaborating with the Karolinska Institute in Sweden to investigate responses to chemotherapy.