Tackling rare and neglected cancers with advanced screening

• Company/University: Cancer Research Horizons, UK
• Interviewee: Charlotte Walsh-Tripp 
• Products used: PHERAstar FSX, VANTAstar
• Method: fluorescence intensity, luminescence, absorbance, AlphaScreen, TR-FRET, kinetic assays, cell-based assays

Charlotte Walsh-Tripp, a senior scientist at Cancer Research Horizons, elaborates on their mission to cure cancer by focusing on targets that are often neglected by other research initiatives, such as rare and pediatric cancers. Her team employs high-throughput screening and custom assays to tackle these challenging targets. They use a variety of microplate readers daily for both routine screening and in-depth mechanistic studies.

The team has a long-standing partnership with BMG LABTECH, utilizing PHERAstar and VANTAstar plate readers equipped with injectors, AlphaScreen laser, TRF laser,  Advanced Assay Stability (AAS) and Atmospheric Control Unit, which allow for precise environmental control and rapid kinetic assays. This technology is crucial for conducting bespoke assays on difficult targets, enhancing the reliability and flexibility of their research. By optimizing read times and increasing throughput, they aim to accelerate their research processes. This efficiency helps them reduce timelines and expedite the delivery of potential treatments to patients. Charlotte emphasizes the importance of these technological advancements in enabling her team to address complex questions and advance their understanding of cancer mechanisms from an early phase.