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:
Improving Care: We attended a major national clinical conference to equip general gastroenterologists and nurses with specialist knowledge, which helps ensure future work is better aligned with what people with PSC need by improving local care and pathways.
Progressing Research: Our 2024 investment into early-stage research to build necessary scientific evidence enabled Dr James Sun to secure major national funding to explore the genetic drivers of the disease. This foundational knowledge is essential for identifying potential new treatments.
Progressing Research: We supported the development of a research manuscript on nutrition in PSC, so that the findings can be effectively shared with the wider medical community. This will help us advocate for the needs of people with PSC to ensure they get the care they need at the right time.
Improving Care: We hosted a clinical consensus meeting to map out an ideal PSC care pathway, which helps ensure future PSC management is better aligned with what people with PSC need. Establishing standard protocols across the NHS is essential for eliminating regional variations in care.
Progressing Research: We contributed to the strategic planning of an international rare liver disease network, which supports progress towards better care for people with PSC. Broadening our influence ensures patient needs are integrated into wider clinical strategies.
Improving Care: We shared firsthand experiences of living with PSC at an international medical school event, which improves clinical understanding of the disease for healthcare professionals. This is important because ensuring future specialists understand the human impact of PSC helps drive patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
Progressing Research: After just over 48 hours on our Big Give Small Charity Week match funding initiative, your donations helped us get to 78% of the way to our £20,000 goal! Thank you! Can we reach 100%?