Qaisar Tanveer (Saaim) Randhawa

PhD Scholar in Clinical Veterinary Sciences /Comparative Oncology

  • The Roslin Institute
  • The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
  • The University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

Street

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute
Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, UK

City
Midlothian, Edinburgh
Post code
EH25 9RG

Biography

Background

I am a PhD candidate under the tutelage of Professor Gurå Therese Bergkvist, Professor Colin Farquharson and Dr. Lisa Pang at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, where I focus on the molecular mechanisms driving osteoclast dysregulation leading to bone invasion in cancer. My research delves into the tumour-bone microenvironment, with particular emphasis on the secretome of cancer cells — cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that disrupt normal bone homeostasis. By investigating how these factors promote osteoclast activation and bone resorption, I aim to unravel the vicious cycle between tumour and bone cells that drives bone invasion in both human and veterinary oncology.

I earned my DVM and MPhil in Physiology (both with Summa Cum Laude), where I investigated signalling pathways in non-small cell lung carcinomas, deepening my understanding of cancer biology and its molecular landscape. My current work integrates oncology and bone biology to identify novel therapeutic targets that could disrupt cancer-induced bone invasion. By bridging veterinary oncology, human cancer research, and bone biology, my goal is to advance translational research and develop therapeutic interventions for both human and animal cancer patients.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M)(2013 - 2018) 1st Position with the prestigious Academic GOLD MEDAL, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • M.Phil. Physiology (2018 - 2020) 1st Position with the prestigious Academic SILVER MEDAL, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

  • Ph.D. Scholar Clinical Veterinary Sciences (January 2022 - Present), The University of Edinburgh, UK

Responsibilities & affiliations

  • Pakistan Veterinary and Medical Council (Reg. # 13313)
  • European Society of Medical Oncology (ID # 443841)
  • American Association for Cancer Research (ID # 1064182)
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ID # 7027599)
  • Bone Research Society, UK
  • The Physiological Society, UK (ID # 146547)
  • International Mammalian Genome Society

Research summary

As a PhD candidate at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, my research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to osteoclast dysregulation and subsequent bone invasion in cancer. I specifically investigate the tumour-bone microenvironment, highlighting how the secretome of cancer cells—including various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors—can disrupt normal bone physiology. By analysing the interplay between these factors and their role in osteoclast activation and bone resorption, I aim to explore the complex interplay between tumour cells and bone that facilitate bone metastasis in both human and veterinary oncology.

Currently, I focus on integrating oncology and bone biology to discover novel therapeutic targets capable of disrupting cancer-induced resorption and metastasis. By connecting insights from veterinary oncology and human cancer research, my objective is to foster translational research that leads to effective treatments for cancer patients in both human and veterinary medicine.

Current research interests

Cancer Biology, Tumour-Bone Microenvironment, Osteoclast Dysregulation, Bone Invasion and Resorption, Cancer Proteomics, Therapeutic Targets, Translational Research, Animal Models of Cancer, Veterinary Oncology

Past research interests

Cancer Biology, Cancer Genomics, Molecular Signalling Mechanisms, Translational and Veterinary Medicine

Affiliated research centres

Current project grants

Chief Minister Merit Scholarship (Punjab Educational Endowment Fund), Government of Punjab, Pakistan and University of Edinburgh PhD Scholarship

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