International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED)
Bringing together world-leading centers to develop radical new strategies for detecting cancer at its earliest stages and transforming patient survival.
Our Mission: Accelerating Early Detection Through Collaboration
ACED unites seven world-leading institutions: Oregon Health & Science University, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK, the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).
We stimulate and support collaboration between member centers, enabling them to achieve more together than they could alone. Through joint research, shared infrastructure, training opportunities, and regular convening, we're accelerating breakthroughs in cancer early detection.
Research Programs
Collaborative research addressing key challenges in cancer early detection
Infrastructure
Shared platforms and resources to optimize research capabilities
Training
Developing the next generation of early detection researchers
Research Programs: Addressing Critical Challenges
ACED has developed four major research programs targeting the biggest challenges in cancer early detection. Each program brings together expertise from across our member centers to achieve greater impact than individual efforts.
Cancer Inequalities
Addressing biological, behavioral, and social factors driving inequalities in early detection, led by Sam Merriel (University of Manchester)
Hereditary Cancer
Using high-risk populations to understand early disease and develop detection strategies, led by Tim Rebbeck (DFCI)
Cancer Interception
Detecting and understanding pre-cancerous changes to identify targets for preventive intervention, led by Rebecca Fitzgerald (University of Cambridge)
Immune System Exploitation
Finding marker signals of early cancer exposure in the adaptive immune system, led by Jamie Blundell (University of Cambridge)
Cancer Inequalities in Early Detection
Cancer prevention and early detection can reduce cancer burden, but existing interventions don't benefit all populations equitably. This research theme addresses the biological, behavioral, and social factors driving inequalities in early detection.
Equity in Multi-Cancer Early Detection
Evaluating the potential for cancer early detection tests to address inequalities associated with cancer early detection
Adaptive Risk Modeling
Establishing frameworks to assess factors influencing the effectiveness of different screening modalities in different populations
Primary Care Intervention
Exploring inequalities in diagnostic pathways and co-producing community-based interventions to reduce inequalities
Inclusive Research Design
Developing approaches that encourage individuals from under-represented groups to participate in cancer early detection research
Infrastructural Research Platforms
ACED provides specialized research platforms designed to enable, optimize, and catalyze your research and collaborations. These platforms offer methodological expertise, validation resources, and community engagement opportunities.
Research Design Unit
Providing methodological and statistical expertise for study design and analysis in cancer early detection research
ABIDE
Enabling development of non-imaging biomarkers that can reliably detect cancer before it's visible on imaging
Patient & Public Involvement
Creating an Alliance-wide platform for interaction between at-risk populations, patients, and researchers
Training the Next Generation of Researchers
ACED is dedicated to developing future leaders in cancer early detection research through comprehensive training programs and career development opportunities.
PhD Studentships
Exceptional doctoral training with opportunities for collaboration, travel, and co-supervision across the Alliance
Early Career Pathway Awards
Springboard grants for early career researchers establishing independence, with mentorship from eminent researchers ($270,000 for 24 months)
Skills Exchange Awards
Funding for researchers to visit other ACED Centers to learn techniques and develop collaborations (up to $50,000)
Training Programs
Comprehensive online courses, schools, and masterclasses covering all aspects of early detection research
Exploiting the Immune System for Early Detection
The immune system serves as an exquisitely sensitive and highly specific in-built early cancer detection system. This research program aims to characterize immune signatures associated with early cancer development.
Establish Annotated Biobank
Create a collection of tumors and pre-diagnosis blood samples for genomic and immune repertoire characterization
Identify Tumor-Reactive Lymphocytes
Develop a candidate set of tumor-reactive T and B cells and validate their presence in matched blood samples
Identify Immune Signatures
Generate deep immune repertoires from blood samples to assess whether cancer-specific immune signatures are detectable before clinical diagnosis
Develop AI Approaches
Create algorithms that can classify cancer versus healthy samples and determine tissue of origin from peripheral blood
Join the ACED Community
As an ACED member, you have unique opportunities to find collaborators, generate research ideas, access shared resources, and secure funding for innovative early detection projects.
To keep up with the latest ACED news and funding opportunities, sign up for our newsletter. Contact the program managers listed for each research theme to explore collaboration opportunities.