Professor Phillip Monaghan, Clinical Lead Spotlight

Welcome back to our Clinical Lead Spotlight series, where we share key insights from the clinical leads behind our education, exploring the current landscape across key cancer specialties and the expertise shaping our programmes.

Introducing Professor Phillip Monaghan, Head of Service and Consultant Clinical Scientist at the Christie.

We find out what motivates a career in pathology and the advances shaping cancer diagnosis and management. The conversation also highlights current challenges, research activity, and what attendees can expect to gain from our upcoming Pathology Study Day on Monday 8 March 2027, alongside advice for those considering a career in the specialty.

What motivates you to work in pathology, particularly related to cancer diagnostics?

I am motivated to continuously improve laboratory services, and with the support of our dedicated scientists and through our biomarker research programmes, we aim to introduce more effective biomarker tests and testing strategies into patient pathways to address unmet need and improve patient outcomes.

What recent advances or emerging trends are shaping pathology in the diagnosis and management of cancers?

Digital histopathology will streamline clinical workflows and enhance training and digital archiving of specimens.

There’s been huge strides forward in molecular diagnostics, e.g. ctDNA, and companion diagnostics, bioinformatics through big data analytics and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning predictive models, novel predictive biomarkers and response biomarkers.

Plus, pathology and diagnostics are increasingly moving into community settings through regulated point-of-care testing.

Are there any current or upcoming research projects or initiatives within your pathology team, or any you’re personally involved in?

We are currently involved in a number of research projects, including the CRUK-funded VALTIVE trial, to validate a novel vascular response biomarker to guide VEGFi treatment.

What do you hope attendees will gain from the Pathology Study Day?

A broad overview of pathology services, including an introduction to histopathology diagnostic lymphoma practice, an update cell therapy in haematology, emerging uses of artificial intelligence in pathology, biomarker research and innovation, and interactive case sessions.

What challenges do you face in your area of pathology work?

Pathology labs in England carry out 1.12 billion tests per year – roughly 20 tests per person in England each year – representing £2.2 billion of NHS funding.

We must ensure that the right test is conducted at the right time, with the right answer - end-to-end pathology, improving quality across the health system.

There is a need for interoperability and future-proofing pathology with strong data and digital foundations, early adoption of new technologies, safe and regulated roll-out of artificial intelligence applications and most importantly, developing and training the pathology workforce of the future at a national level.

What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in pathology, especially in oncologic pathology?

Pathology and laboratory medicine is a very interesting and rewarding profession, and pathology plays a key role in the majority of clinical pathways. Explore the career, gain experience in different laboratory environments and specialties, read the latest literature and focus on what inspires you.