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Melissa Barlow

PhD Student and Graduate Research Assistant

 College House 1.26

 

College House, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

Melissa graduated the University of Exeter with a first class degree in Medical Science (Pharmacology and Therapeutics). As part of her degree, she undertook a Professional Training Year where she researched the mechanisms of ovarian cancer metastasis, led by Dr Jacqueline Whatmore. Following this, Melissa developed a particular interest in cancer research.

Melissa was awarded her PhD studentship from the GW4 Biomed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. For her PhD, she is exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying pre-diagnostic thrombocytosis in lung cancer patients and evaluating its diagnostic value as part of the DISCO (DIagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Optimally) team. She is supervised by Professor Sarah Bailey, Professor Willie Hamilton, Professor Chris Scotton and Dr Giordano Pula.

In 2021, Melissa began working as a Graduate Research Assistant for the EPIC (Ethnic differences in Platelet count and other blood tests In the diagnosis of Cancer) study, led by Professor Sarah Bailey and Dr Tani Martins.

 

Qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) Medical Science (Pharmacology & Therapeutics) – University of Exeter

Research group links

Research

Research interests

Melissa has a particular interest in cancer research. She is currently investigating the association of pre-diagnostic thrombocytosis within the different lung cancer subtypes (small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma). She will later hope to achieve a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this association by in vitro investigations. The epidemiological and in vitro data will then be compared to identify which lung cancer subtypes are more strongly associated with megakaryocyte modulation and thrombocytosis, which may benefit lung cancer diagnostics.

Research projects

Current Projects:

  • Exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying pre-diagnostic thrombocytosis in lung cancer patients and evaluating its diagnostic value
  • Investigating ethnic differences in blood test results for suspected cancer in primary care

Grants/Funding:

  • Exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying pre-diagnostic thrombocytosis in lung cancer patients and evaluating its diagnostic value. PhD student. GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. £75,000. 2019 - 2028
  • Investigating ethnic differences in blood test results for suspected cancer in primary care. Co-Applicant. Cancer Research UK Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Grant. £136,365. 2021 - 2024

 

Publications

Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year

Publications by category


Journal articles

Barlow M, Hamilton W, Ukoumunne OC, Bailey SER (In Press). The association between thrombocytosis and subtype of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.  Abstract.
Barlow M, Down L, Mounce LTA, Merriel SWD, Watson J, Martins T, Bailey SER (2023). Ethnic differences in prostate-specific antigen levels in men without prostate cancer: a systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis, 26(2), 249-256. Abstract.  Author URL.
Barlow M, Hamilton W, Ukoumunne OC, Bailey SER (2021). The association between thrombocytosis and subtype of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Translational Cancer Research, 10(3), 1249-1260. Abstract.
(2018). Abstracts of the 68th annual meeting in University of Nottingham. Microcirculation Abstract.  Author URL.

Publications by year


In Press

Barlow M, Hamilton W, Ukoumunne OC, Bailey SER (In Press). The association between thrombocytosis and subtype of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.  Abstract.

2023

Barlow M, Down L, Mounce LTA, Merriel SWD, Watson J, Martins T, Bailey SER (2023). Ethnic differences in prostate-specific antigen levels in men without prostate cancer: a systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis, 26(2), 249-256. Abstract.  Author URL.

2021

Barlow M, Hamilton W, Ukoumunne OC, Bailey SER (2021). The association between thrombocytosis and subtype of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Translational Cancer Research, 10(3), 1249-1260. Abstract.

2018

(2018). Abstracts of the 68th annual meeting in University of Nottingham. Microcirculation Abstract.  Author URL.

Melissa_Sampson Details from cache as at 2023-09-23 16:51:49

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External Engagement and Impact

Awards

Undergraduate awards:

  • Deans’ Commendation (first year)
  • Special Commendation for Scientific Research & Communication (second year)
  • Deans’ Commendation (final year)

Teaching

Supervision / Group

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