Major Milestone Reached in PSC Cancer Risk Study
Major Milestone Reached in PSC Cancer Risk Study
Dr Rodrigo Motta
This important research project, funded by PSC Support, has successfully completed a critical sample collection phase, bringing scientists closer to developing a non-invasive method for the early detection of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma, or CCA)) in people with PSC. This work directly aligns with PSC Support’s strategy to accelerate the development of tools that can detect cancers early and with certainty.
What is the progress of the DNA methylation study?
The research team, led by Dr. Rodrigo Motta at the University of Oxford, has successfully completed the extensive collection of plasma samples. A total of 100 plasma samples from five different patient cohorts have now been collected, marking a significant step towards the analysis phase of the project. This is a vital stage, as it ensures the researchers have a broad and relevant set of biological material to investigate. If you’ve ever donated a sample to research during a procedure, thank you. This kind of research cannot take place without such samples.
Which patient samples have been collected?
The comprehensive collection of samples is designed to allow for detailed comparison, helping researchers to pinpoint changes that are specific to the development of CCA in people with PSC. The 100 samples collected between April and September 2025 were separated into five distinct groups:
- 20 samples from patients with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
- 20 samples from PSC patients considered to be at high risk of bile duct cancer.
- 20 samples from PSC patients considered to be at low risk of bile duct cancer.
- 20 samples from patients with ulcerative colitis.
- 20 healthy control samples.
What is the next step for the research?
The next phase involves transferring the samples to the University of Oxford for advanced analysis. The team will be using a new, state-of-the-art technology to study subtle changes around the DNA, known as DNA methylation. This non-invasive method is highly sensitive and efficient, enabling researchers to gain extensive insight from very small volumes of blood. Dr. Motta confirmed this progress:
“We collected and separated plasma samples from 100 patients between April and September 2025... These samples are going to be analysed using a new technology developed at the University of Oxford. This technology allows us to study changes around the DNA without damaging it too much, therefore even small samples (3mL) can give us plenty of information to look for early signs of cancer.” Dr. Motta.
As part of our Mission 2030 research strategy, this work directly addresses the critical need for a reliable screening method for people with PSC. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a reliable, non-invasive blood test that can be used to screen for cancer in people with PSC, helping to catch complications much earlier.
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Progressing Research: We supported a major research funding application to help secure the resources needed for high-quality studies into PSC treatments. This vital work ensures that promising scientific ideas have the backing they need to become the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Improving Care: We attended the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) Immune Special Interest Group meeting to stay at the forefront of clinical advances. By focusing on areas like transition care for young people, we ensure our future work is perfectly aligned with the evolving needs of the PSC community.
Progressing Research: We championed the use of new tools that help doctors better understand how PSC affects daily wellbeing. By focusing on these patient-reported outcomes, we are ensuring that future clinical trials measure the symptoms that matter most to our community.
Building Partnerships: We met with national regulators to ensure that patient symptoms are officially recognised when new medicines are being assessed. This advocacy is vital for making sure the patient voice directly influences whether new PSC treatments are approved for use.
Organisational Excellence: We explored how emerging technologies like AI can be used to spot liver changes earlier. Staying at the forefront of innovation supports our strategic goal to turn scientific discoveries into faster diagnoses and better treatments.
Improving Care: We worked with our helpline nurse to improve our helpline services and digital learning, ensuring every patient gets expert support when they need it.
Empowering our Community: We updated our website with the latest findings from our funded research programmes. By turning complex scientific breakthroughs into accessible information, we ensure you stay informed about the progress your donations are making possible.
Organisational Excellence: We analysed our social media reach to ensure our health information and research updates are reaching as many people as possible. This helps us grow our community and ensures that no one has to face a PSC diagnosis alone.