Alan Ashworth
Encyclopedia
Alan Ashworth, FRS is a British
molecular biologist/ Professor of Molecular Biology, noted for his work on genes involved in cancer susceptibility. He is the Team Leader of the Gene Function team in the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre and CEO of the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
He joined The Institute of Cancer Research
(ICR) in 1986 and was appointed its CEO in September 2010.
One of Ashworth’s major contributions to cancer research has been his work on genes involved in cancer risk. He was a key part of the team that in 1995 discovered the gene BRCA2, which is linked to an increased risk of some types of cancers / which is now used to identify women at high risk of the disease. Ten years later, Ashworth identified a way to exploit genetic weaknesses in cancer cells including mutated BRCA 1 or BRCA2, leading to a new approach to cancer treatment. Cancer cells that carry mutant forms of BRCA1 or BRCA2 are highly sensitive to a class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors. Early results from clinical trials of PARP inhibitors are considered to be important and promising.
Ashworth’s current research reflects his passion for the development of personalised cancer medicine, translating laboratory studies into improvements in patient care. He is also joint leader , with Professor Tony Swerdlow, of one of the world’s most comprehensive and largest (>100,000 participants), studies of breast cancer causation, the Breakthrough Generations Study (http://www.breakthroughgenerations.org.uk) .
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
molecular biologist/ Professor of Molecular Biology, noted for his work on genes involved in cancer susceptibility. He is the Team Leader of the Gene Function team in the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre and CEO of the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
Early life
Ashworth was educated at St Mary’s Primary School and Thornleigh Salesion College, Bolton. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Imperial College, London, and achieved his PhD in Biochemistry at University College, London .He joined The Institute of Cancer Research
Institute of Cancer Research
The Institute of Cancer Research is a cancer research institute located in London, United Kingdom and a constituent college of the federal University of London. The ICR was founded in 1909 as a research department of the Royal Marsden Hospital and joined the University of London in 2003...
(ICR) in 1986 and was appointed its CEO in September 2010.
Career
Ashworth joined the ICR in 1986 as a Post Doctoral Scientist in the Section of Cell and Molecular Biology and in 1999 he was appointed the first Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre (BBCRC). The Centre is now recognized internationally and has more than 120 scientists and researchers working on aspects of the disease ranging from basic molecular and cellular biology through to translational research and clinical trials. Ashworth’s Directorship ended in January 2011 when he took up the position of Chief Executive of the ICROne of Ashworth’s major contributions to cancer research has been his work on genes involved in cancer risk. He was a key part of the team that in 1995 discovered the gene BRCA2, which is linked to an increased risk of some types of cancers / which is now used to identify women at high risk of the disease. Ten years later, Ashworth identified a way to exploit genetic weaknesses in cancer cells including mutated BRCA 1 or BRCA2, leading to a new approach to cancer treatment. Cancer cells that carry mutant forms of BRCA1 or BRCA2 are highly sensitive to a class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors. Early results from clinical trials of PARP inhibitors are considered to be important and promising.
Ashworth’s current research reflects his passion for the development of personalised cancer medicine, translating laboratory studies into improvements in patient care. He is also joint leader , with Professor Tony Swerdlow, of one of the world’s most comprehensive and largest (>100,000 participants), studies of breast cancer causation, the Breakthrough Generations Study (http://www.breakthroughgenerations.org.uk) .
Awards and recognition
- 1991 British Postgraduate Medical Federation Prize
- 1999 Elected to European Molecular Biology OrganizationEuropean Molecular Biology OrganizationEMBO stands for excellence in the life sciences. The EMBO mission is to enable the best science by supporting talented researchers, stimulating scientific exchange and advancing policies for a world-class European research environment....
. - 2002 Elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical SciencesAcademy of Medical SciencesThe Academy of Medical Sciences is the United Kingdom's national academy of medical sciences. It was established in 1998 on the recommendation of a group that was chaired by Michael Atiyah. Its president is John Irving Bell....
- 2008 Fellow of the Royal SocietyRoyal SocietyThe Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, known simply as the Royal Society, is a learned society for science, and is possibly the oldest such society in existence. Founded in November 1660, it was granted a Royal Charter by King Charles II as the "Royal Society of London"...
. - 2009 European Society for Medical OncologyEuropean Society for Medical Oncology-About ESMO:The European Society for Medical Oncology is a non-profit professional medical oncology society in Europe.ESMO offers post-graduate education and training in clinical cancer care and research, and produces evidence-based recommendations for basic standards of cancer care...
Lifetime Achievement Award - 2009 Elected Fellow of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences
- 2010 Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation David Workman Memorial Award
- 2010 Meyenburg Foundation Cancer Research Award