Dr. Charles Swanton
MBPhD, FRCP, FMedSci, FRS, FAACR
Consultant Thoracic Medical Oncologist & Chief Clinician, Cancer Research UK
corporate_fareUCLH & Francis Crick Institute, London
Charles Swanton
MBPhD, FRCP, FMedSci, FRS, FAACR
Professor Charles Swanton is a clinician scientist and Consultant Thoracic Medical Oncologist at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), and Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK. He is a Senior Group Leader and Deputy Clinical Director at the Francis Crick Institute, where he leads the Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory.
Prof. Swanton completed his MBPhD at University College London and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund Laboratories in 1999, followed by Cancer Research UK clinician scientist and medical oncology training completed in 2008. He established his laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in 2008 and was appointed Consultant Thoracic Medical Oncologist and Chair in Personalised Cancer Medicine at UCL in 2011. He is Chief Investigator of TRACERx, the landmark CRUK lung cancer evolutionary study recruiting over 800 patients, and leads the UK pan-cancer PEACE autopsy programme. His work spans intratumour heterogeneity, chromosomal instability, immune evasion, and liquid biopsy, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Nature, the New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet Oncology.
CancerFax can coordinate medical-report review and consultation support for international patients seeking an opinion from Prof. Swanton, subject to UCLH availability and case acceptance.
Why Consider Prof. Charles Swanton?
Prof. Swanton is one of the most cited cancer scientists in the United Kingdom and a globally recognised authority on lung cancer evolution, genomic heterogeneity, and precision oncology. His profile combines active clinical practice with world-leading research.
Areas of Specialisation
Thoracic oncology, cancer evolution, genomic medicine, and lung cancer precision therapy
Prof. Swanton's clinical and research practice focuses on the genomic underpinnings of lung cancer, intratumour heterogeneity, and translational strategies to overcome treatment resistance.
Thoracic Medical Oncology
Clinical management of non-small cell lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, incorporating genomic profiling and personalised treatment planning.
- arrow_rightSystemic treatment planning based on molecular and genomic profiling
- arrow_rightImmunotherapy for eligible NSCLC patients (PD-1/PD-L1 pathways)
- arrow_rightTargeted therapy guided by EGFR, ALK, and other driver mutations
- arrow_rightIntegration of clinical trial options within the TRACERx and PEACE programmes
- arrow_rightctDNA-based monitoring of tumour evolution and treatment response
- arrow_rightClonal mutation tracking for residual disease detection
- arrow_rightResearch applications through the TRACERx and PEACE autopsy studies
Cancer Genomics & Tumour Evolution
Laboratory and translational research into intratumour heterogeneity, chromosomal instability, and immune evasion mechanisms.
- arrow_rightCharacterisation of branched evolutionary tumour histories
- arrow_rightAssessment of cell-to-cell genetic diversity and its impact on prognosis
- arrow_rightTranslational insights applied to clinical trial design
- arrow_rightMechanisms by which tumours evade immune surveillance
- arrow_rightImpact of chromosomal instability on treatment resistance
- arrow_rightAchilles Therapeutics spin-out: personalised clonal neoantigen T-cell therapies
Clinical Services & Procedures
Thoracic oncology and genomically guided cancer treatment
Prof. Swanton provides clinical thoracic oncology services at UCLH, combining standard-of-care treatment with access to translational research programmes and clinical trials.
Thoracic Medical Oncology
Medical OncologySystemic treatment planning and administration for lung cancer, integrating genomic profiling results.
Genomically Guided Treatment Planning
Targeted TherapyPersonalised treatment selection informed by comprehensive genomic and molecular profiling.
Clinical Trial Access
Complex DiseaseAccess to CRUK-funded and investigator-led trials through the TRACERx programme and UCLH clinical trials unit.
Expert Second Opinion
Second OpinionIndependent expert review of lung cancer diagnosis, genomic profiling, and treatment pathways.
Research & Publications
Landmark contributions to cancer evolution science and translational oncology
Prof. Swanton has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and is one of the most cited cancer scientists in the United Kingdom. His research defines the field of intratumour heterogeneity and cancer evolution.
Prof. Swanton's active research programmes may include trial opportunities for eligible patients. CancerFax can facilitate case submission and eligibility assessment through UCLH, subject to availability.
Education & Training
Prof. Swanton trained at University College London and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund Laboratories, completing integrated medical and doctoral training before specialising in medical oncology and translational cancer research.
Clinical Experience
Prof. Swanton has led translational and clinical oncology programmes in London for over 25 years, progressing from CRUK-funded postdoctoral research to senior leadership roles at the Francis Crick Institute, UCL, UCLH, and Cancer Research UK.
Languages & International
Prof. Swanton conducts consultations in English.
CancerFax can coordinate certified medical interpreter services for international patients consulting with Prof. Swanton's team.
CancerFax can coordinate professional medical interpreter support for international patients where required.
How CancerFax Helps You Access Dr. Charles Swanton
CancerFax is a specialist cancer patient-navigation platform. We help international patients prepare structured medical summaries, assess treatment eligibility, and connect directly with Dr. Charles Swanton's team — with full coordination from initial inquiry to consultation.
Medical Report Review
Free review of your pathology results, imaging, molecular profiling, and treatment history — prepared as a structured clinical summary for Dr. Charles Swanton's team.
Treatment Eligibility Screening
CancerFax screens your case for eligibility for treatments and clinical programmes available through Dr. Charles Swanton before you travel, so you arrive with a clear pathway.
Case Submission
We coordinate direct case submission to Dr. Charles Swanton's department, including all documentation required for clinical review and appointment scheduling.
Appointment & Consultation Coordination
CancerFax manages appointment scheduling with Dr. Charles Swanton's team, confirming availability and aligning timelines with your travel plans.
Travel, Visa & Logistics Support
We prepare visa invitation letters, provide hospital-proximity accommodation guidance, and coordinate airport transfers for international patients.
Follow-Up & Continuity of Care
After your consultation or treatment, CancerFax facilitates communication between Dr. Charles Swanton's team and your home oncologist for seamless post-treatment follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prof. Charles Swanton
Prof. Charles Swanton (MBPhD, FRCP, FMedSci, FRS, FAACR) is a Consultant Thoracic Medical Oncologist at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK, and Senior Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute. He is one of the world's foremost experts in lung cancer genomics, intratumour heterogeneity, and cancer evolution, and is Chief Investigator of the landmark TRACERx lung cancer study.
Prof. Swanton specialises in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other thoracic malignancies, approached through a genomic and precision medicine framework. His broader research covers tumour evolution across solid cancers, including breast cancer. His clinical focus is genomically guided treatment planning, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials.
CancerFax can coordinate medical-report review and consultation support for international patients seeking an opinion from Prof. Swanton, subject to UCLH availability and individual case acceptance. Submit your reports through CancerFax to initiate the process.
Submit your medical records — including imaging, pathology reports, and molecular profiling results — through CancerFax using the 'Send Your Reports' button. The CancerFax team will review the documents, prepare a structured case summary, and coordinate the next steps with UCLH, subject to availability.
A second-opinion request can be submitted through CancerFax with the patient's pathology reports, NGS or genomic profiling results, imaging (PET-CT, CT, MRI), and treatment history. Prof. Swanton and his team at UCLH can provide an independent expert assessment of diagnosis and treatment options. The final consultation format and availability depend on the institution.
TRACERx is a CRUK-funded landmark lung cancer evolutionary study led by Prof. Swanton as Chief Investigator. It has enrolled over 800 patients with non-small cell lung cancer to track how tumours evolve and develop resistance to treatment. Results from TRACERx have been published across multiple papers in Nature and Nature Medicine, and the study is directly informing the development of new lung cancer treatments and clinical trials. Eligible patients may be assessed for trial participation through CancerFax-coordinated enquiries.
Connect with Charles Swanton Today
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Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.