Professor Tim Illidge, Consultant Clinical Oncologist

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie Clinic
Published January 6th, 2012 | Last updated February 8th, 2012
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Professor Tim Illidge is a leader in Targeted Therapy and Oncology at The Christie Clinic, Manchester. In 2004 he moved his Cancer Research UK research group to the Paterson Institute and Christie Hospital where his research is based on developing new antibodyOne of a group of special proteins in the blood that are produced in response to a specific antigen and play a key role in immunity and allergy. based therapies for lymphomaA type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, part of the immune system.. He specialises in the management of non–Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. He is an expert in both the systemicAffecting the whole body. immuno-chemotherapyThe use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. approaches and radiotherapyThe treatment of disease using radiation. techniques in these cancers and has led many early phase and late clinical trials in these techniques.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry (BSc) at London University, Prof Illidge received his medical degree (MB BS) from Guy’s Hospital Medical School, London, and was subsequently awarded a PhD from the University of Southampton, for his work in the field of lymphoma. Prof Illidge completed research fellowships as CRUK Senior Clinical Research Fellow and was appointed Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Oncology at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust in 1999. He was awarded a US Senior Fulbright fellowship and a Winston Churchill Fellowship which enabled him to work as part of the lymphoma team at Stanford University, California 1998.

Prof Illidge is a Member of the Royal College Physicians, Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists and the Royal College of Pathologists and is a Member of the American Society of Hematologists. He is recognised as an international expert in antibodiesSpecial proteins in the blood that are produced in response to a specific antigen and play a key role in immunity and allergy. and radioimmunotherapy applied to lymphoma, where he has published extensively (100+ publications). He serves on the central steering group of the National Cancer Research lymphoma group and has represented the UK at international workshops in lymphoma.

Personal treatment philosophy: My aims are to deliver treatments that achieve the highest possible cure rate with the lowest long term side effect profile in a personal and patient specific approach.

Articles: 

  • Treating lymphoma with radioimmunotherapy

    By Professor Tim Illidge, Consultant Clinical OncologistContact
    The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie Clinic

    Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. therapy that involves the use of targeted radiotherapyThe treatment of disease using radiation., which is delivered directly to lymphomaA type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, part of the immune system. cells by a monoclonal antibodyOne of a group of special proteins in the blood that are produced in response to a specific antigen and play a key role in immunity and allergy.. The radiotherapy is delivered in the form of a radioactive particle or ‘radioisotope’ that is attached to the antibody.

  • Diagnosing and treating non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas

    By Professor Tim Illidge, Consultant Clinical OncologistContact
    The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie Clinic

    Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic systemVessels that carry lymphatic fluid, a fluid derived from the blood.. When a person has lymphomaA type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, part of the immune system., some of their lymphocytes are no longer subject to the normal regulations within the body and are growing ‘out of control’. These abnormal lymphocytes can collect in the lymph nodesSmall, rounded organs of the immune system that are distributed along the lymphatic system that filter lymph, a fluid derived from the blood, and produce antibodies and a type of white blood cells, lymphocytes., which then enlarge to form tumours. Lymphoma can affect lymph nodes in all parts of the body as well as other organs, such as the spleenAn organ situated on the left side of the abdomen that filters out worn-out red blood cells and other foreign bodies from the bloodstream. or the bone marrowTissue within the bones where blood cells are formed.. Although lymphoma is a disease of the lymphatic system, it can also happen in other areas of the body. For example, lymphoma can affect the stomachthe organ or the body where food is stored and broken down, the skin, or the liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. and can affect the function of the involved organ.

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