This interview is with Dr Karen Pulford, the Associate Editor of Biomarker Insights , an open access electronic journal published by Libertas Academica . In this role Dr Pulford replaces Dr Barbara Guinn , who recently became Founding Editor in Chief of Biomarkers in Cancer .

Dr Pulford is University Reader in Immunodiagnostics and Director of the Leukaemia Research Lymphoma Antigens Group at the University of Oxford.

Tom: What would you say is the primary focus of your research effort (and how would you refer to your sub-area?)

My main area of research has changed during recent years. Previously my background was in monoclonal antibody technology but now my work can best be described as tumour antigen discovery - specifically those antigens associated with haematological malignancies. This involves not only the identification of tumour-associated autoantigens but also their characterization at both mRNA and protein levels as well as their potential as immunotherapeutic targets. We recently identified a novel cancer testis antigen, PASD1, which is expressed in a variety of haematological malignancies and are now investigating the potential of this antigen for the development of lymphoma vaccine.

Tom: What do you consider to be the most significant developments arising from research in your area?

Firstly the improvements in the diagnosis of haematological malignancies through the use of monoclonal antibodies. Not only have these enabled patients to receive the correct treatments, but the technology has paved the way for improvements in therapeutic options such as the use of anti-CD20 as an immunotherapeutic tool. Furthermore, information obtained from the use of monoclonal antibodies has been invaluable for understanding the development and function of normal cells and tissues as well as mechanisms underlying oncogenesis.

Tom: What do you consider to be the most significant open questions and research challenges in your area?

One area of concern is the lack of well-validated antibodies that are available for use in research. Although reagents may be advertised as recognising their immunogen this may be all the validation that has been performed. It is highly possible that the antibodies may cross react with other molecules and may not, therefore, be specific for the target protein leading to ‘interesting’ results for the inexperienced user.

One other research question concerns optimizing the immune response of the patient to combat their tumour. This is the ‘holy grail’ of immunotherapy.

Tom: Tell us about your collaborative research. Who else do you directly work with and what are the aims of your collaboration?

I am collaborating with Dr Barbara Guinn and Dr Alison Banham on the potential of PASD1 as an immunotherapeutic target in malignances. Other collaborations include links with the Children’s Oncology Group and the European Intergroup Committee on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the study of ALK-positive ALCL.

Tom: Is balancing all these activities challenging? How do you deal with it and what tools do you find useful in doing so?

Achieving a balance between all the research activities is challenging but extremely rewarding when everything works smoothly. One great advantage is that every day is different. Understanding and helpful colleagues and access to the internet is essential and smoothes the way.

Tom: When did you decide to be primarily involved in the field that you are now in?

I always wanted to be a scientist and always in the fields of leukaemia and/or lymphoma. I just had a brief detour when I was carrying out my PhD research.

Tom: What resources do you find indispensible for your research work?

It is difficult to envisage being able to carry out my work without a computer and access to the worlds of the internet, word processing and image handling.

Tom: What books do you think should be required reading for researchers working in your area?

The major book would be the 2008 WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues, Fourth Edition. Swerdlow et al. Edited by the IARC. [ Amazon.com ]

Tom: What books are current on your reading list?

• Charles Darwin, “The Origin of the Species”. [Amazon.com]

• Richard Ellman, “Oscar Wilde”. [Amazon.com]

Tom: Do you teach any courses? If so, which ones?

I am supported by Leukaemia Research to do full time research and, as such, have no teaching responsibilities. I do, however, supervise medical and biochemistry students undertaking laboratory projects as part of their degree courses as well as being an external supervisor for the PhD Open University Programme.

Tom: Which historical research figures do you think have most influenced you in how you think about research? Why are they significant?

• Sir Edward Jenner: although not the first to try immunization for smallpox he realized it’s importance and publicized his findings.

• Joseph Lister: a pioneer in the control of infection and antiseptic techniques.

Tom: Which meetings do you attend on a regular basis?

I always try to attend the American Society of Hematology meeting. It is such a vast conference that there will always be exciting things to find out.

Tom: If you could change something about how research in your area is conducted, used, perceived, or resourced, what would it be?

Too much of my time is spent writing grant applications. It would improve matters if the career pathway for the research scientist contained a few more established posts. At the moment it is a ‘hand-to-mouth’ existence for the majority of science graduates to wish to work in academia.

My thanks to Dr Pulford.

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