Terry Gaymes

Dr. Terry Gaymes is a Senior Lecturer in Haematology and Immunology at Kingston University, affiliated with the Department of Biomolecular Sciences within the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. His research focuses on DNA damage and repair mechanisms in leukaemia, particularly exploring the therapeutic potential of PARP inhibitors and identifying biomarkers for targeted cancer therapy.

Educational Background:

• DPhil in Biochemistry, University of Sussex
• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences, University of Wolverhampton
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (SFHEA)

Dr. Gaymes specializes in genomic instability, DNA repair pathways (especially non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination), and their roles in myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). His work bridges molecular biology and clinical oncology, aiming to exploit DNA repair deficiencies for therapeutic benefit. He is particularly interested in PARP inhibitor sensitivity and the identification of predictive biomarkers in haematological cancers.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on DNA repair anomalies, genomic instability, and targeted therapies. Key themes include error-prone NHEJ, oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, and the role of mutations in FLT3, JAK2, and DNA repair genes. His research has contributed to the understanding of how chromosomal instability syndromes and leukaemic cells respond to PARP inhibition, laying the groundwork for precision medicine approaches in haematology.

Scientific Recognition:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (SFHEA)

Dr. Gaymes plays a significant role in academic leadership and knowledge exchange. He serves as the Biosciences Industry Liaison Chair at Kingston University and is Course Director for the Biomedical Science: Haematology MSc program. He teaches across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, and Biomedical Science degrees. He is a member of the British Society for Haematology (BSH) and the Institute of Biomedical Science, reflecting his professional engagement in both research and clinical science communities.

While specific research grants and student supervision details are not listed, his extensive collaborative research, particularly with King's College London, suggests active involvement in funded projects and mentorship. His work continues to investigate how DNA repair defects can be leveraged therapeutically in leukaemia, with future directions focused on patient stratification for PARP inhibitor therapy and combination treatments exploiting DNA repair vulnerabilities.