At The Christie, we lead pioneering research in penile cancer across the UK and in partnership with expert teams throughout Europe and worldwide. Our work is focused on improving early diagnosis, tailoring treatments, and supporting patients throughout their care journey. We are uniquely positioned to deliver this impact through close collaboration with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), the University of Manchester, the National Biomarker Centre and the Paterson Building—bringing world-class scientists, facilities, and technologies together under one roof.

We have one of the largest penile cancer tissue and blood collections worldwide, built through routine integration of donation into standard care. This includes blood, primary tumour and lymph node samples, enabling high-quality translational research, including biomarker discovery, treatment-response studies and tumour profiling.

We also host early-phase (phase 1) clinical trials at The Christie, allowing patients to access promising new therapies sooner, while our strong links with specialist units across the UK and Europe help us share knowledge and raise standards of care internationally. A growing community of PhD and MD research students is central to this work, driving innovation and training the next generation of clinical and scientific leaders.

Donations to The Christie Charity are vital to everything we do. Philanthropic support enables us to test bold ideas, invest in advanced technologies, and launch ground-breaking studies that might not otherwise be possible ensuring we remain at the forefront of discovery and continue to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future.

  • BRUCY
    This study looks at using a gentle brushing test to help diagnose penile cancer. The aim is to see if this simple method can find cancer earlier and reduce the need for more invasive tests. What researchers learn could help improve diagnosis and care for future patients.
  • BIOPC
    The BIOPC study looks at simple blood tests to help doctors learn more about penile cancer. The aim is to find signs of cancer in the blood that could guide treatment and reduce the need for some major operations. This may help doctors choose the right care for each person in the future.
  • PRECISION
    The PRECISION study looks at how penile cancer grows and spreads inside the body. Researchers use samples already taken during care to understand why cancer behaves differently in different people. This could lead to more personal and better-targeted treatments.
  • PeCaN UK
    The PeCaN project brings together hospitals across the UK to share information about penile cancer care. By safely collecting patient data, doctors hope to learn what treatments work best and improve care for future patients.
  • HPV integration – Infrared Spectroscopy in Penile Cancer
    This study looks at using a special scanning method on routine microscope slides to learn more about penile cancer. The aim is to see if this technology can spot important changes in tissue and support diagnosis in the future.
  • Rare PREPARE
    This project aims to help patients and doctors have better conversations during clinic visits. It focuses on topics that matter most to patients and can highlight concerns that may need extra support. It is for adults with rare or complex conditions, and for carers of patients of any age. It is designed to be used in the first year after diagnosis, usually just before an appointment.
  • PDX models
    This study uses special lab models made from tumour samples to help scientists learn more about penile cancer. The aim is to understand how the cancer grows and test new treatment ideas in the future. What researchers learn could help improve care for patients over time.
  • ePROMS
    This study focuses on using electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) in penile cancer care. These are simple digital questionnaires that allow patients to share how they are feeling during and after treatment, including symptoms, wellbeing, and quality of life. The aim is to make sure patient experiences are captured more clearly, help clinicians spot problems earlier, and guide better support during clinic visits. Over time, this approach could improve communication, personalise follow-up care, and raise the standard of treatment for people affected by penile cancer.

  • Immune environment in Penile Cancer
    This study looks at how the body’s immune system responds to penile cancer in the main tumour and nearby lymph nodes at different stages of the disease. The aim is to understand why cancer behaves differently between people and over time. This could help guide better treatments in the future.
  • QLG-RARE
    This study seeks to develop a tailored HRQoL measurement strategy for patients with solid rare cancers through interviews and evaluation of existing EORTC tools, culminating in new guidance for future research.
  • VELRAD (Videoendoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy versus open radical inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with penile cancer)
    The VELRAD study looked at two ways to remove lymph nodes in men with penile cancer. One way is keyhole surgery (smaller cuts), and the other is regular open surgery. The goal was to see if it was possible to run a fair trial comparing these two methods and whether patients and doctors would take part. About half of the patients would have keyhole surgery and half open surgery, and they were followed for several months to see how things went. This study helps doctors plan a bigger trial to find out which surgery is better.
  • SentiPEN
    Testing the Feasibility of Sentimag®/Sienna+® for detecting Inguinal Sentinel Node in Penile Cancer (SentiPEN). National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI).
  • EPIC 1+ 2
    The Christie was a contributing centre to EPIC. The EPIC study looked at a drug called cemiplimab for advanced penile cancer. In 2025, results showed that adding this drug to chemotherapy helped more than 6 out of 10 patients and helped them live longer. Cemiplimab on its own was also safe and worked well for people who could not have chemotherapy.

You can see all of our urology consultants' publications in The Christie Open Repository.