Newsletter #14

Database Update

The Trust curates and hosts three scientific databases as a service to the scientific community and which are also of interest to people with LFS.

The three databases can be accessed at our data domain: https://data.tp53.org.uk.

A key metric of value that is used by scientists and researchers is to count the number of times that the databases (or the paper that is published with each database) is referenced by new research papers. The good news for us is that these databases continue to be used and are viewed as solid references by new research - thereby helping other scientists making progress in their work.

The Cancer Drugs database is the premier reference for people looking at which drugs are approved for cancer - not necessarily a simple thing to find in one place. The latest data shows that this has been referenced in 74 papers - 48 in the last couple of years.

The ReDO_DB database is a repository of non-cancer drugs, like aspirin or metformin, which show evidence of anticancer activity. This has been referenced 136 times, 39 in the last couple of years.

Finally, the ReDO Trials database looks at clinical trials testing these non-cancer drugs as new cancer treatments. This is the newest of the databases and has been referenced 39 times in all, 24 times in the last couple of years.

This all shows that we are continuing to provide important data to the research community and also that the work we do - partly funded with the generous support of the Addie Brady Foundation - in keeping the databases up to date is worth the effort.

Meet the Trustees

In this section we'll get to know a member of our team a little better - this time we're speaking to Dr Helen Hanson.

How did you get involved at the Trust?

I have been involved with the Trust since it was first set up in 2011. At the time I was a Clinical Research Fellow at the Royal Marsden and part of my research was studying the contribution of inherited alterations in the TP53 gene to breast cancer. George's family felt very strongly that more could be done to improve the awareness of Li Fraumeni syndrome and increase the rate of TP53 testing, as well as supporting families with new diagnoses. I became involved as I was keen to support this ambition and to provide medical input where needed.

What does your role at the Trust entail?

Pan and the team are hugely knowledgeable, but I have been able to use my medical knowledge to help answer some of the more tricky questions. For example, I point people in the direction of local teams and review medical information to ensure it is all up to date and accurate.

What do you enjoy most about working with the Trust?

It is hugely inspiring to see how the Trust has grown over the years, both in helping support families, but also by having a significant influence on policy, clinical practice and research.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

With respect to the Trust, I think it would have to be helping to secure national whole body MRI funding. As many people involved with the Trust know, this has taken a very long time with many ups and downs along the way, but we are now finally there.

What do you do in your spare time?

I spend a lot of time driving my two children to all their sporting activities! However, I am very lucky to live in beautiful Devon, so enjoy swimming in the sea, bike rides and county walks. I especially love the summer months with the longer evenings to make the most of the outdoors.

What are you reading at the moment?

I have just started reading "When The Cranes Fly South" by Lisa Ridzén.