Maths + Cancer

Vicky Neale and Heather Harrington look at how mathematical techniques are used to identify patterns in cancer data, and discuss the creative thinking required of mathematicians. In the sixth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Heather Harrington from the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute. They explore how techniques from algebra and topology are being used to identify patterns in cancer data, giving a more nuanced understanding than has previously been possible.  

They also look at the creative thinking required of mathematicians, and the importance of collaboration between different fields.

Vicky Neale and Heather Harrington look at how mathematical techniques are used to identify patterns in cancer data, and discuss the creative thinking required of mathematicians. In the sixth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Heather Harrington from the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute. They explore how techniques from algebra and topology are being used to identify patterns in cancer data, giving a more nuanced understanding than has previously been possible.  

They also look at the creative thinking required of mathematicians, and the importance of collaboration between different fields.

Vicky Neale sits down with Helen Byrne to discuss her research around mathematical modelling for tumour prediction, and her advice for researchers who want to apply their work to cancer research. In the fifth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Helen Byrne, Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute, and Senior Group Leader at the Oxford Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. 

They discuss Professor Byrne’s research which focuses on mathematical modelling and biology, and how modelling can provide predictive tools for growth and response to treatment of solid tumours.

Here, they also cover how the fast-moving field of topological data analysis is informing cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and Professor Byrne’s role bridging the divide between mathematics and other fields.

Vicky Neale talks to Hannah Fry about the difficulties of using probabilities in medical statistics, and how their own experiences have shaped their perspectives on the tough choices facing those making decisions on cancer care. In the fourth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Hannah Fry – mathematician, science presenter and ‘all-round badass’. Presenter of the 2022 BBC2 documentary 'Making Sense of Cancer with Hannah Fry', Professor Fry talks to Vicky about the difficulties of using probabilities in using medical statistics and the importance of asking the right questions when it comes to the risks involved with cancer treatment.

Here, they discuss how their own experiences have shaped their perspectives, and the tough choices that face those making decisions on cancer care and the different treatment options available.

Vicky Neale sits down with Tom Whyntie to look at how mathematics is being used in medical imaging to optimise cancer care, and the ‘epic amounts of data’ behind the technology. In the third episode of the series, Vicky talks to Dr Tom Whyntie, Teaching Fellow in the Department of Oncology and Director of Studies for the MSc Radiation Biology at the University of Oxford.

Here, they explore Dr Whyntie’s career – from his work as a particle physicist on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, to using medical imaging to improve cancer treatments. They discuss how mathematics is being used to optimise cancer care, and how to make sense of the ‘epic amounts of data’ behind the technology.