Maths + Cancer Oxford University

Vicky Neale and Heather Harrington look at how mathematical techniques are used to identify patterns in cancer data, and discuss the creative thinking required of mathematicians. In the sixth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Heather Harrington from the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute. They explore how techniques from algebra and topology are being used to identify patterns in cancer data, giving a more nuanced understanding than has previously been possible.  

They also look at the creative thinking required of mathematicians, and the importance of collaboration between different fields. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Vicky Neale sits down with Helen Byrne to discuss her research around mathematical modelling for tumour prediction, and her advice for researchers who want to apply their work to cancer research. In the fifth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Helen Byrne, Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute, and Senior Group Leader at the Oxford Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. 

They discuss Professor Byrne’s research which focuses on mathematical modelling and biology, and how modelling can provide predictive tools for growth and response to treatment of solid tumours.

Here, they also cover how the fast-moving field of topological data analysis is informing cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and Professor Byrne’s role bridging the divide between mathematics and other fields.  Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Vicky Neale talks to Hannah Fry about the difficulties of using probabilities in medical statistics, and how their own experiences have shaped their perspectives on the tough choices facing those making decisions on cancer care. In the fourth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Hannah Fry – mathematician, science presenter and ‘all-round badass’. Presenter of the 2022 BBC2 documentary 'Making Sense of Cancer with Hannah Fry', Professor Fry talks to Vicky about the difficulties of using probabilities in using medical statistics and the importance of asking the right questions when it comes to the risks involved with cancer treatment.

Here, they discuss how their own experiences have shaped their perspectives, and the tough choices that face those making decisions on cancer care and the different treatment options available. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Vicky Neale sits down with Tom Whyntie to look at how mathematics is being used in medical imaging to optimise cancer care, and the ‘epic amounts of data’ behind the technology. In the third episode of the series, Vicky talks to Dr Tom Whyntie, Teaching Fellow in the Department of Oncology and Director of Studies for the MSc Radiation Biology at the University of Oxford.

Here, they explore Dr Whyntie’s career – from his work as a particle physicist on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, to using medical imaging to improve cancer treatments. They discuss how mathematics is being used to optimise cancer care, and how to make sense of the ‘epic amounts of data’ behind the technology. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Vicky Neale and David Spiegelhalter explore the role of statisticians in communicating risk to the public, and how patients can be empowered to engage with clinicians when weighing up the benefits and risks of treatment. In the second episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication at the University of Cambridge. A leading statistician, and author, Professor Spiegelhalter discusses his work on the successful Predict tools for breast and prostate cancer, which help patients make informed decisions about their cancer treatment.

Vicky and Professor Spiegelhalter explore the role of statisticians in communicating risk to the public, and how patients can be empowered to engage with clinicians in a meaningful way when weighing up the benefits and risks of treatment. Here, they also talk about the human side of cancer, and the care that is needed when communicating cancer risks. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Vicky Neale talks to Philip Maini about how mathematical modelling can help researchers and doctors to improve the quality of life for people receiving cancer treatment. In the first episode of the series, Vicky talks to Philip Maini, Director of the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford.   

Their conversation covers how mathematical modelling can be used in calculating tumour growth and treatment scenarios. They explore the application of modelling to treatment dosages and clinical trials, as well its importance in surgical approaches to tumour and tissue removal.

They also discuss Professor Maini's own career and extensive work mentoring students. Highlighting the collaborative nature of modelling in cancer research, Professor Maini indicates that this is an area where mathematics and science meet to ‘move the knowledge forward’. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/