Our Centre

King’s Health Partners ECMC focuses particularly on new Molecular and Cellular cancer immunotherapies, building on recent translation of agents discovered in King’s laboratories. Examples, both leading to foundation of spin-out companies (Epsilogen, Leucid), include:

• a first-in-class IgE antibody, which demonstrated the safety of this highly novel therapeutic approach;
• CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumours, manufactured on site. Multiple cell and other advanced therapies are progressing in our portfolio, either academic studies or collaborations with industry partners. Our high standards of research governance, and close links with world-class surgical oncology teams, especially for melanoma and thoracic malignancies, continue to provide essential expertise and capacity in cell therapies requiring tissue harvest.

The breadth and volume of activity in early phase trials of novel systemic therapies have increased rapidly since our very first trial in 2007. Specific interests include thoracic, GI, gynae and skin cancers, and there are close links with other tumour-specific clinics in our Cancer Centre. We deliver ECMC trials in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Guy’s Hospital, with high quality standards and we are the only MHRA accredited NHS-managed CRF in London, and one of only two such units in England. Governance is further strengthened by senior engagement of all stakeholders in our ECMC Board.