L-R Dr Eileen Marks, Dr Anna Daroszewska, Prof Rob van 't Hof, Prof Roger Francis, Dr Milad Khedr and Dr Vinita Mishra
The Bone Research Group from the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease and the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust (RLBUHT) have been awarded the Paget’s Association Centre of Excellence status in recognition of their clinical expertise and outstanding research into Paget’s disease of bone.
Paget’s disease of bone is the second most common bone disease after osteoporosis. It is characterised by focally increased bone remodelling, which is driven by hyperactive and abnormal bone resorbing cells, known as osteoclasts. Its prevalence increases after the age of 50 and our region has been a ‘hot spot’ for Paget’s disease for decades, with the highest incidence in the world.
Over time, the disease can cause affected bones to become misshapen, fragile and cause other complications including pain, osteoarthritis, deafness and very rarely osteosarcoma. Paget’s disease of bone most commonly occurs in the pelvis, skull, spine and legs.
The Paget’s Association is the only UK charity to focus solely on Paget’s disease of bone in adults. The Association supports research into Paget’s disease, and acts as a resource for patients, carers and health professionals, offering high quality information and support services.
The Paget’s Association introduced this award to recognise hospital and university departments which demonstrate excellence in both the treatment of Paget’s disease of bone and research into the condition.
Dr Anna Daroszewska, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Biochemistry, Honorary Consultant in Rheumatology together with Dr Eileen Marks, Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Divisional Medical Director, RLBUHT, and Prof of Musculoskeletal Biology, Rob van ‘t Hof and their teams were presented with the award during a special ceremony on Friday, 27th April.
The afternoon public engagement event included an update on the understanding and management of Paget’s disease. It also showcased the world-leading research of the team into the causes and treatment of Paget’s disease. Dr Daroszewska and Professor van ‘t Hof were the first to show that the mutation of a specific gene (P392L SQSTM1/p62) may cause Paget’s disease.
Furthermore, recent data were presented explaining the late onset of the condition and how early intervention can prevent the disease. The clinical unit has a longstanding reputation of conducting and contributing to ground breaking multicentre clinical trials into treatment of Paget’s disease. The audience was also treated to an interesting perspective of the long history of research into bone diseases in Liverpool by Professor Jim Gallagher and was given a stimulating talk about a possible medieval centre of excellence for treatment of Paget’s disease at Norton Priory, Runcorn, by the Museum’s Senior Keeper, Lynne Smith.
Dr Anna Daroszewska, said: “We are very honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes our outstanding reputation in clinical expertise in the management of Paget’s disease and our significant research achievements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of Paget’s disease.
“The award provides an incentive for further research and recognizes not only the work of clinicians and scientists involved, but also the dedication of the large number of our patients who have painstakingly participated in research over the years and are always keen to help. The Centre of Excellence status will facilitate close collaborations within the Paget’s Association Centre of Excellence framework of 12 UK centres in clinical and basic research. It will help exchange expertise in research and in provision of best patient care. It will also enhance the overall visibility of Paget’s disease.”
Further information about the Paget’s Association Centres of Excellence can be found here.