Professor Gerry McKenna
Our Research
Queen's University Belfast has conducted notable research in the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology, focusing on various aspects of diseases affecting the oral cavity and jaw structures. Their research encompasses investigations into the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancers, precancerous lesions, and other pathological conditions affecting the mouth and surrounding tissues.
Through innovative approaches such as molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques, researchers at Queen's University Belfast aim to enhance understanding of oral diseases, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for patients.
Additionally, their work often explores the role of genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits in the development and progression of oral diseases, contributing valuable insights to the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology.
Research topics
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Pathology in Action
At Queen's University Belfast, digital pathology research represents a cutting-edge approach to understanding and diagnosing diseases. Researchers at the university are at the forefront of leveraging digital technologies to transform traditional pathology practices.
By digitising tissue samples and utilising advanced image analysis algorithms, they are pioneering new methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis of various diseases, including cancers and inflammatory conditions.
Their work involves developing innovative software tools and platforms that enable remote access to pathology slides, facilitating collaboration among experts worldwide.
- Head and Neck Cancer
At Queen's University Belfast, researchers working on Head and Neck cancers aim to advance understanding and treatment of this complex disease. They are engaged in comprehensive studies focusing on various aspects of head and neck cancer, including its aetiology, molecular mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies.
Through interdisciplinary collaborations, they explore novel approaches such as genomic profiling, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Moreover, Queen's University Belfast is dedicated to translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, with the goal of developing more effective and personalised treatments for head and neck cancer patients.
- Translational Cancer Research
Queen's translational cancer research is dynamic, globally collaborative and encompasses various fronts in the battle against cancer, including genetics/epigenetic research, drug design and development, immunology research, radiotherapy techniques and the study of the tumour microenvironment.
Through these multifaceted approaches, Queen's translational cancer research aims to pioneer innovative strategies for early detection, effective treatment, and ultimately, the eradication of cancer.
- Featured Publications
- Digital pathology and image analysis in tissue biomarker research
- Open source software for digital pathology image analysis
- General Roadmap and Core Steps for the Development of AI Tools in Digital Pathology
- Dental caries following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: A systematic review
- Pre-radiotherapy dental extractions in patients with head and neck cancer: a Delphi study
- Distribution and Frequency of Salivary Gland Tumours: An International Multicenter Study
Professor Jacqueline James
Dr Stephanie Craig
Dr Laura Graham (ICAT Fellow)
Dr Amanda Willis
