Our main mission within the Centre is to discover how to exploit the tumour microenvironment (TME) in the control of cancer growth and spread. Our central aim is to understand the biology of the human TME using novel and relevant in vitro and in vivo models in research that is always led by information from patient samples and clinical problems. We aim to harness this knowledge to identify new treatment strategies.
Welcome to the Centre for Tumour Microenvironment (TME) where our main mission is to discover how to exploit the TME in the control of cancer growth and spread.
We conduct state-of-the-art research into the TME, bringing together internationally-recognised scientists and clinicians. Our central aim is to understand the biology of the human TME using novel and relevant in vitro and in vivo models in research that is always led by information from patient samples and clinical problems.
We aim to harness this knowledge to identify new treatment strategies. Working closely together with our Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine we are well-placed to implement our findings in clinical practice. Our Centre is embedded in one of the UK’s top medical schools thus offering excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations.
Centre Lead
Deputy Centre Lead
John Vane Science Centre,
Charterhouse Square,
London EC1M 6BQ
Deputy Centre Lead
Professor of the Tumour Microenvironment
Senior Lecturer
Reader in Tumour Extracellular Matrix
Reader in Medical Oncology; Consultant Medical Oncologist
Researchers at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, have discovered a way in which the environment surrounding triple-negative breast cancer cells helps suppress our immune system, making this cancer harder to treat. The findings open the door to a potential new treatment strategy that could make triple-negative breast cancers more vulnerable to the immune system and help more people to benefit from immunotherapy in future.
Publications 18 June 2026
Researchers have developed a way to grow miniature ovarian tumours in the lab that mimic the tumour environment found in patients. The new approach offers a useful way to study how cancer cells interact with the immune system and to explore potential treatments. Ultimately, it could help accelerate progress for patients and reduce reliance on research methods involving animals.
Publications 25 March 2026
