Elizabeth Murchison

Professor Elizabeth Murchison leads the Transmissible Cancer Group at the University of Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on transmissible cancers such as Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT) and Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Diseases. Her research explores cancer evolution, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions.

Research Themes:

• Evolutionary mechanisms of transmissible cancers
• Host immunological barriers and cancer transmission
• Comparative oncology across mammalian species
• Genetic stability of ancient cancer lineages

Scientific Context: The group investigates how transmissible cancers overcome immune systems, with implications for human and veterinary oncology. Key subfields include cancer genetics, tumour microenvironment dynamics, and disease adaptation.