Stopping cancer cells in their tracks

Professor Duncan Baird

Professor Duncan Baird is researching ‘telomeres’ – tiny structures that protect our DNA and the vital information contained within from damage.   
 
Telomeres exist on the ends of DNA like the plastic caps on the ends of shoe laces, protecting the material from unravelling. 
 
Results from Professor Baird's lab have shown that the length of these telomere caps can be used to predict both the outcomes and the response to treatment for people with several different types of cancer. This includes chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma and breast cancer.  
 
Professor Baird and his team at Cardiff University have developed the most detailed approach yet to measure how long telomeres are and define the length at which telomeres become damaged and start to unravel DNA.  
 
By developing the technology for clinical application, the team hope that this research will one day be used alongside other diagnostic tools to ensure more people receive the best treatment.