Our research
Endometriosis CaRe Oxford is an internationally acclaimed centre of expertise in clinical care and research into endometriosis, and is part of the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford.
Our research focuses around improving our understanding of endometriosis, working towards a non-surgical method of diagnosis (‘biomarker’) and identifying new, better treatments.
Research at the Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre
The Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre (EndoCaRe) is dedicated to uncovering the underlying causes of endometriosis, advancing our understanding of its different forms, and supporting the development of innovative drug therapies and non-invasive diagnostic tools.
As a leading member of a global research initiative, the Centre plays an active role in the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect) - a landmark collaboration involving 29 academic institutions across 19 countries, alongside three medical and diagnostic companies. EPHect aims to establish global consensus on standardised deep phenotyping tools and biological sample collection protocols, ensuring consistency and quality in endometriosis research worldwide.
At the EndoCaRe Centre, we apply WERF EPHect-compliant data and biospecimens collected from women attending our clinic to investigate the biological pathways indicated by known genetic variants. These insights help us identify potential targets for new treatments and support the discovery of novel biomarkers for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
PrePOSE Study
Predicting the Pain Outcome of Surgery for Endometriosis
This study aims to see if we can predict who will get benefit from endometriosis surgery by having a reduction in their pelvic pain. Based on our previous work, our main interest is to see if we can use a brain scan (MRI) before surgery to identify people who will benefit. We will then explore whether a combination of measures such as questionnaires and other clinical information relates to the brain scan information. If it does, then this might be an easier (and cheaper!) way to help people decide whether surgery is the right option for them.
Academic Collaborations
We strongly believe that collaborative research is essential for scientific advances. Over the years we have very successfully engaged in many collaborations within the Department, the University of Oxford, nationally and internationally.
Together with colleagues from Harvard University and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation, we recently initiated a worldwide collaboration, the WERF EPHect project, aimed at the harmonisation and standardisation of phenotypic data and biological sample collection and processing in endometriosis research. This global effort involved 30+ research centres and 3 industrial partners. Combining existing evidence and expert opinions resulted in the publication of protocols that are now the standard and form the basis for endometriosis research internationally. These freely available protocols are regularly updated as new evidence arises.
Nationally we are part of the UK Endometriosis Network. Regular meetings involving groups interested in basic, translational and clinical endometriosis research take place bi-annually to foster exchange of scientific ideas and encourage further collaborations between centres. Currently, the Network involves centres in Oxford, London (UCLH), Aberdeen, Liverpool and Edinburgh, but is explicitly open to anyone within the UK interested in advancing endometriosis research.
Healthcare collaborations
We have also a strong record of collaborative links with pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. For instance, Oxford University signed a collaborative agreement with Bayer HealthCare on a programme of work to discover new drug targets for endometriosis and uterine fibroids. We play a key role in providing expertise as well as clinical data and samples for the work, in which we collaborate closely with the Target Discovery Institute, the Botnar Research Centre and the Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB).
Global Collaborations
Together with investigators at the QIMR Berghofer Institute for Medical Research in Brisbane and Harvard University, we have founded the International Endogene Consortium (IEC), which aims to improve understanding of endometriosis through large-scale genetic studies. With the IEC, we have discovered 7 out of the 9 known genetic variants associated with endometriosis to date. These studies have cemented the role of genetics in the development and establishment of the disease, and are shedding new light on causal biological pathways and potential subtypes of disease – important information for drug target discovery. Over the years the IEC has been expanding, and we are actively looking for further research groups with genetic data on women with endometriosis.
Other international collaborations include groups at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA), Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, USA), the University of Tartu (Estonia), the University of Liverpool and the Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences (Puerto Rico).
Funding partners
Our research is funded by a number of national and international academic and industry sponsors, including: Bayer HealthCare, the European Commission, MDNA Life Sciences Inc., the Medical Research Council, the National Institutes of Health USA, Roche Diagnostics, Volition, the Wellcome Trust, and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation.
Industry Collaborations
We are highly interested in advancing science as it will eventually lead to improved clinical management of women with endometriosis. As such, collaborative efforts involving industrial partners are highly welcome and encouraged.
We have a well functioning team of experienced research nurses, excellent laboratory technicians and dedicated clinicians and clinician-scientists who work closely together with our Director of Clinical Governance, Research and Development Office of the Hospital Trust and the University Research Services Department. This strong integrated network ensures high quality data and sample collection and storage using the highest ethical standards.
For example, Bayer-Oxford Research in Gynaecological Therapies is a strategic research alliance between The University of Oxford and Bayer HealthCare. It aims to develop innovative treatments for endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Both conditions affect millions of women worldwide and are still poorly understood, presenting a high unmet medical need for innovative therapies as there is no known curative drug treatment available.
Related Research pages
EndoCaRe Publications
From groundbreaking clinical trials to collaborative reviews and policy-shaping studies, our work reflects the depth and impact of our research.
Pain in Women
Our pain in women research group aims to optimise pain relief and quality of life for women with chronic pain by improving our understanding of the mechanisms generating pain in women and the interaction between hormones and pain.
Volunteers wanted
We are inviting individuals to participate in impactful clinical research studies aimed at improving the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting women's and reproductive health. Your participation is crucial in helping us discover more effective solutions that could transform healthcare for women everywhere.
How you can help
To help maximise the impact of the endometriosis research, we rely on the generous support of donors like you.
Your contribution is vital in advancing this research and driving meaningful discoveries.
