Dr Oscar Maiques
Lecturer and Group Leader in Digital Pathology
Barts Cancer Institute, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London
Research
extracellular matrix, digital pathology, spatial biology, multiplex imaging, mechanobiology, multiomics, 3D tissue models, artificial intelligence
Interests
Our group combines spatial biology, digital pathology and artificial intelligence to investigate how the extracellular matrix and tissue organisation influence cancer development, invasion and metastasis. We focus on melanoma, pancreatic and breast cancer, linking observations in patient tissues with experiments in 3D models.We develop and use 3D collagen matrices with controlled fibre organisation to study how matrix alignment, density and mechanics affect cancer cell behaviour and interactions with surrounding cells. Our DERMIS programme extends this approach to human organotypic skin models to investigate how changes in the tissue environment influence early melanoma development.
Our expertise includes multiplex immunohistochemistry and imaging, quantitative image analysis, spatial molecular profiling and integration of imaging with molecular data. We use these approaches to measure changes in tissue architecture, extracellular matrix organisation and cellular states, and to develop biomarkers associated with disease progression and patient outcomes.
I am particularly interested in collaborations involving engineered extracellular matrices, live imaging, and methods to measure matrix stiffness and viscoelasticity. By combining these tools with spatial profiling and AI, we aim to build more informative in vitro models and test the biological mechanisms underlying clinically relevant tissue features.
Publications
2026
Tumor-infiltrating B cells evolve towards interferon-rich trajectories aligned with immunotherapy in melanomaStoker K, Laddach R, Booth L, Crescioli S, Maiques O, Adams R, Chauhan J, Stewart A et al.
Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, Springer Nature vol. 45 (1)
07-08-2026
Glycosylated extracellular matrix drives immune suppression by modulating macrophage-T cell crosstalk in triple-negative breast cancerTarantola L, Tyler EJ, Liu Y, Maniati E, Thornton KA, Martín-Otal C, Hanna D, Kumar R et al.
Nature Communications, Springer Nature vol. 17 (1)
16-06-2026
Pan-cancer analysis reveals Rho kinase addiction as a vulnerability of de-differentiated cancer cellsBarcelo J, Teigen Y, Martin JAJ, George S, Das D, Sewell J, Perdrix-Rosell A, Bewicke-Copley F et al.
Iscience, Elsevier vol. 29 (6)
01-06-2026
Lamin B1 safeguards the B cell genome and shapes lymphoma outcomeFilipsky F, Chapman KB, Bloehdorn J, Maiques O, Lee A, Clear A, Wang J, Gribben J et al.
Hemasphere, Wiley vol. 10 (6)
01-06-2026
NGFR induces melanoma invasion and immunotherapy resistance through myosin light chain 2 modulationNogués L, Santos V, García-Agullo J, García-Silva S, Maiques O, Hernández-Barranco A, Mazariegos MS, Pérez-Martinez M et al.
The Embo Journal, Springer Nature vol. 45 (14), 4988-5023.
26-05-2026
Multi-site validation of an AI-based biomarker test for determining ER, PR, and HER2 status from H&E-stained breast cancer slidesNtelemis F, Wolf S, Bass C, Geraldes A, Schmidt J, Kumar N, Singhal S, Mehrotra D et al.
Esmo Real World Data and Digital Oncology, Elsevier vol. 12
14-04-2026
Multimodal AI-driven analysis in breast and lung cancer: insights from the OPTIMA prototyping workshopAbdollahyan M, Gadaleta E, James LGE, Thorn GJ, Corz JC, Singh V, Hettich M, Schneider L et al.
Bmc Proceedings, Springer Nature vol. 20 (Suppl 15)
02-04-2026
Integrin inhibition differentially remodels vascular networks in lung metastases driven by vessel co-option or angiogenesisMarcos-Zazo L, Carrera-Aguado I, Gómez-Escudero J, Berlana-Galán P, Torre-Cea I, Guerra-Paes E, Redondo-Gonzalez C, Sánchez-Mateos J et al.
Angiogenesis, Springer Nature vol. 29 (4)
01-01-2026
2025
H&E-based MSI/MMR testing with AI in colorectal cancer: a multi-centred blinded evaluationBass C, Ntelemis F, Schmidt J, Wolf S, Geraldes A, Mehrotra D, Singhal S, Kumar N et al.
Npj Digital Medicine, Springer Nature vol. 9 (1)
15-12-2025
SLC7A11 protects amoeboid-disseminating cancer cells from oxidative stressGraziani V, Barcelo J, Tripp A, Das D, Maiques O, James Martin JA, Sewell J, Vinaga A et al.
Cell Reports, Elsevier vol. 44 (7)
01-07-2025
High Copy Number Variations Correlate with a Pro-Tumoral Microenvironment and Worse Prognosis in Acral Lentiginous Melanomade la Rosa I, Sisó P, Ríos C, Gracia J, Cuevas D, Maiques O, Eritja N, Soria X et al.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Mdpi vol. 26 (9)
25-04-2025
Matrix mechano-sensing at the invasive front induces a cytoskeletal and transcriptional memory supporting metastasisMaiques O, Sallan MC, Laddach R, Pandya P, Varela A, Crosas-Molist E, Barcelo J, Courbot O et al.
Nature Communications, Springer Nature vol. 16 (1)
14-02-2025
Pan-cancer drivers of metastasisLusby R, Demirdizen E, Inayatullah M, Kundu P, Maiques O, Zhang Z, Tiwari VK
Molecular Cancer, Springer Nature vol. 24 (1)
02-01-2025
2024
Corrigendum to “Early functional mismatch between breast cancer cells and their tumour microenvironment suppresses long term growth” [Cancer Lett. 544 (2022), 215800]Perdrix Rosell A, Maiques O, Martin JAJ, Ombrato L
Cancer Letters, Elsevier vol. 597
01-07-2024
A systematic pan-cancer study on deep learning-based prediction of multi-omic biomarkers from routine pathology imagesArslan S, Schmidt J, Bass C, Mehrotra D, Singhal S, Hense J, Raharja-Liu P, Maiques O
Communications Medicine, Springer Nature vol. 4 (1)
15-03-2024
2023
CD73 controls Myosin II–driven invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression in amoeboid pancreatic cancer cellsSamain R, Maiques O, Monger J, Lam H, Candido J, George S, Ferrari N, Lunetto S et al.
Science Advances, American Association For The Advancement of Science (Aaas) vol. 9 (42)
18-10-2023
AMPK is a mechano-metabolic sensor linking cell adhesion and mitochondrial dynamics to Myosin-dependent cell migrationCrosas-Molist E, Graziani V, Maiques O, Pandya P, Monger J, Samain R, George SL, Malik S et al.
Nature Communications, Springer Nature vol. 14 (1)
22-05-2023
LAP1 supports nuclear adaptability during constrained melanoma cell migration and invasionJung-Garcia Y, Maiques O, Monger J, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Fanshawe B, Domart M-C, Renshaw MJ, Matias-Guiu X
Nature Cell Biology, Springer Nature vol. 25 (1), 108-119.
01-01-2023
2022
Multiplex chromogenic immunohistochemistry to stain and analyze paraffin tissue sections from the mouse or humanMaiques O, Sanz-Moreno V
Star Protocols, Elsevier vol. 3 (4)
01-12-2022
Early functional mismatch between breast cancer cells and their tumour microenvironment suppresses long term growthPerdrix Rosell A, Maiques O, Martin JAJ, Ombrato L, Malanchi I
Cancer Letters, Elsevier vol. 544
06-07-2022
M-CSF as a therapeutic target in BRAFV600E melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitorsBarceló C, Sisó P, de la Rosa I, Megino-Luque C, Navaridas R, Maiques O, Urdanibia I, Eritja N et al.
British Journal of Cancer, Springer Nature vol. 127 (6), 1142-1152.
20-06-2022
Suppression of endothelial cell FAK expression reduces pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis after gemcitabine treatmentEC FAK regulates gemcitabine treated liver metastasisRoy-Luzarraga M, Reynolds LE, de Luxán-Delgado B, Maiques O, Wisniewski L, Newport E, Rajeeve V, Drake RJG et al.
Cancer Research, American Association For Cancer Research (Aacr) vol. 82 (10), 1909-1925.
29-03-2022
2021
Differential Immunoexpression of BRAF/V600E, Senescence Markers, PTEN, and T-type Calcium Channels in Acquired Naevi According to their Histopathological and Dermoscopic ClassificationMORENO S, MAIQUES O, BARCELO C, ROMERO M, SANTACANA M, GOMEZ I, CUEVAS D, VELASCO A et al.
Acta Dermato Venereologica, Mjs Publishing, Medical Journals Sweden Ab vol. 101 (11)
24-11-2021
The amoeboid state as part of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition programmeGraziani V, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Maiques O
Trends in Cell Biology, Elsevier vol. 32 (3), 228-242.
23-11-2021
BRAFV600E Mutant Allele Frequency (MAF) Influences Melanoma Clinicopathologic CharacteristicsSoria X, Vilardell F, Maiques Ó, Barceló C, Sisó P, de la Rosa I, Velasco A, Rodrigo A et al.
Cancers, Mdpi vol. 13 (20)
11-10-2021
Rho GTPase signaling in cancer progression and disseminationCrosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz JL, George SL, Maiques O
Physiological Reviews, American Physiological Society vol. 102 (1), 455-510.
20-09-2021
Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 6 Is Associated with the Tumour Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal AdenocarcinomaCandido JB, Maiques O, Kast V, Peerani E, Tomás-Bort E, Weichert W, Sananes A, Papo N et al.
Cancers, Mdpi vol. 13 (16)
05-08-2021
Location, location, location: Melanoma cells “living at the edge”Maiques O, Sanz‐Moreno V
Experimental Dermatology, Wiley vol. 31 (1), 82-88.
05-07-2021
A preclinical pipeline to evaluate migrastatics as therapeutic agents in metastatic melanomaMaiques O, Fanshawe B, Crosas-Molist E, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Cantelli G, Boehme L, Orgaz JL, Sanz-Moreno V
British Journal of Cancer, Springer Nature vol. 125 (5), 699-713.
25-06-2021
2020
WNT11-FZD7-DAAM1 signalling supports tumour initiating abilities and melanoma amoeboid invasionRodriguez-Hernandez I, Maiques O, Kohlhammer L, Cantelli G, Perdrix-Rosell A, Monger J, Bridgeman VL, Penin RM et al.
Nature Communications, Springer Nature vol. 11 (1)
20-10-2020
First-in-Human Study of AT13148, a Dual ROCK-AKT Inhibitor in Patients with Solid TumorsMcLeod R, Kumar R, Papadatos-Pastos D, Mateo J, Brown JS, Garces AHI, Decordova S, Jueliger S et al.
Clinical Cancer Research, American Association For Cancer Research (Aacr) vol. 26 (18), 4777-4784.
15-09-2020
Cancer Burden Is Controlled by Mural Cell-β3-Integrin Regulated Crosstalk with Tumor CellsWong P-P, Muñoz-Félix JM, Hijazi M, Kim H, Robinson SD, De Luxán-Delgado B, Rodríguez-Hernández I, Maiques O et al.
Cell, Elsevier vol. 181 (6), 1346-1363.e21.
29-05-2020
T-Type Calcium Channels: A Potential Novel Target in MelanomaBarceló C, Sisó P, Maiques O, de la Rosa I, Martí RM
Cancers, Mdpi vol. 12 (2)
08-02-2020
Descriptive study of naevus involution in a series of 74 patients with atypical naevus syndrome under SIAscopy digital follow‐upMoreno S, Maiques O, Gatius S, Veà A, Barcelo C, Santacana M, Soria X
Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Wiley vol. 34 (6), 1210-1217.
06-02-2020
Myosin II Reactivation and Cytoskeletal Remodeling as a Hallmark and a Vulnerability in Melanoma Therapy ResistanceOrgaz JL, Crosas-Molist E, Sadok A, Perdrix-Rosell A, Maiques O, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Monger J, Mele S et al.
Cancer Cell, Elsevier vol. 37 (1), 85-103.e9.
01-01-2020
2019
T-Type Calcium Channels as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Vemurafenib-Resistant BRAFV600E MelanomaBarceló C, Sisó P, Maiques O, García-Mulero S, Sanz-Pamplona R, Navaridas R, Megino C, Felip I et al.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Elsevier vol. 140 (6), 1253-1265.
23-12-2019
Recent advances in tissue imaging for cancer researchMaiques O, Georgouli M
F1000research, F1000research vol. 8
25-11-2019
Repurposing an anti‐cancer agent for the treatment of hypertrophic heart diseaseDukinfield M, Maniati E, Reynolds LE, Aubdool A, Baliga RS, D'Amico G, Maiques O, Wang J et al.
The Journal of Pathology, Wiley vol. 249 (4), 523-535.
30-10-2019
Downregulation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates Transforming Growth Factor-β-induced epithelial to amoeboid transitionLópez-Luque J, Bertran E, Crosas-Molist E, Maiques O, Malfettone A, Sanz-Moreno V
Cancer Letters, Elsevier vol. 464, 15-24.
26-08-2019
In vitro Cell Migration, Invasion, and Adhesion Assays: From Cell Imaging to Data AnalysisPijuan J, Barceló C, Moreno DF, Maiques O, Sisó P
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Frontiers vol. 7
14-06-2019
T-type Cav3.1 channels mediate progression and chemotherapeutic resistance in glioblastomaVisa A, Sallán MC, Maiques O, Alza L, Talavera E, López-Ortega R, Santacana M
Cancer Research, American Association For Cancer Research (Aacr) vol. 79 (8)
15-04-2019
Regional Activation of Myosin II in Cancer Cells Drives Tumor Progression via a Secretory Cross-Talk with the Immune MicroenvironmentGeorgouli M, Herraiz C, Crosas-Molist E, Fanshawe B, Maiques O, Perdrix A, Pandya P, Rodriguez-Hernandez I et al.
Cell, Elsevier vol. 176 (4), 757-774.e23.
31-01-2019
2018
Tumor suppressive function of E2F‐1 on PTEN‐induced serrated colorectal carcinogenesisDosil MA, Navaridas R, Mirantes C, Tarragona J, Eritja N, Felip I, Urdanibia I, Megino C et al.
The Journal of Pathology, Wiley vol. 247 (1), 72-85.
27-11-2018
T‐type calcium channels drive migration/invasion in BRAFV600E melanoma cells through Snail1Maiques O, Barceló C, Pijuan J, Orgaz JL, Rodriguez‐Hernandez I, Matas‐Nadal C, Tell G, Fabra A et al.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, Wiley vol. 31 (4), 484-495.
18-02-2018
2017
Immunohistochemical analysis of T‐type calcium channels in acquired melanocytic naevi and melanomaMaiques O, Macià A, Moreno S, Barceló C, Santacana M, Vea A, Herreros J, Gatius S et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 176 (5), 1247-1258.
20-03-2017
2016
2‐phenylethynesulphonamide (PFT‐μ) enhances the anticancer effect of the novel hsp90 inhibitor NVP‐AUY922 in melanoma, by reducing GSH levelsYeramian A, Vea A, Benítez S, Ribera J, Domingo M, Santacana M, Martinez M, Maiques O et al.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, Wiley vol. 29 (3), 352-371.
21-04-2016
2015
TGF-β-Induced Transcription Sustains Amoeboid Melanoma Migration and DisseminationCantelli G, Orgaz JL, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Karagiannis P, Maiques O, Nestle FO, Marti RM
Current Biology, Elsevier vol. 25 (22), 2899-2914.
29-10-2015
2014
Modeling glands with PTEN deficient cells and microscopic methods for assessing PTEN loss: Endometrial cancer as a modelEritja N, Santacana M, Maiques O, Gonzalez-Tallada X, Dolcet X
Methods, Elsevier vol. 77, 31-40.
18-11-2014
A 9-protein biomarker molecular signature for predicting histologic type in endometrial carcinoma by immunohistochemistrySantacana M, Maiques O, Valls J, Gatius S, Abó AI, López-García MÁ, Mota A, Moreno-Bueno G et al.
Human Pathology, Elsevier vol. 45 (12), 2394-2403.
23-08-2014
FISH analysis of PTEN in endometrial carcinoma. comparison with SNP arrays and MLPAMaiques O, Cuevas D, Dios DAG, Coenegrachts L, Santacana M, Gatius S, Müller S, Pedersen HC et al.
Histopathology, Wiley vol. 65 (3), 371-388.
23-04-2014
2013
Optimal protocol for PTEN immunostaining; role of analytical and preanalytical variables in PTEN staining in normal and neoplastic endometrial, breast, and prostatic tissuesMaiques O, Santacana M, Valls J, Pallares J, Mirantes C, Dios DAG, Pedersen HC
Human Pathology, Elsevier vol. 45 (3), 522-532.
07-11-2013
An inducible knockout mouse to model the cell-autonomous role of PTEN in initiating endometrial, prostate and thyroid neoplasiasMirantes C, Eritja N, Dosil MA, Santacana M, Pallares J, Gatius S, Bergadà L, Dolcet X
Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists vol. 6 (3), 710-720.
01-01-2013
2012
Gene expression microarray-based assay to determine tumor site of origin in a series of metastatic tumors to the ovary and peritoneal carcinomatosis of suspected gynecologic originAzueta A, Maiques O, Velasco A, Santacana M, Pallares J, Novell A, Llombart-Cussac A, Gonzalez-Tallada X et al.
Human Pathology, Elsevier vol. 44 (1), 20-28.
30-08-2012
Grants
Understanding B Cell Dynamics and ECM Topography in Melanoma Through Multiomic Analysis and Predictive Modelling of Risk SignaturesOscar Maiques and Eve Guild
£164,750 Cancer Research UK
28-09-2026 - 27-09-2030
Signal before shift: Predicting transformation in Follicular LymphomaMarta Crespi Sallan, Jessica Okosun, Andrejs Brauns and Oscar Maiques
£100,000 Cancer Research UK
01-06-2026 - 31-05-2027
DERMIS: Decoding ECM Remodelling Mechanisms in Skin Using 3D Organotypic Cultures for Early MelanomaOscar Maiques, John Connelly, Cleo Bishop and Elena Torlai Triglia
£124,906 Academy of Medical Sciences
01-04-2026 - 31-03-2028
Deciphering the Spatial and Metabolic Landscape of Pancreatic Cancer to Identify Novel Therapeutic VOscar Maiques, John Marshall and Vivek Singh
£230,000 Pancreatic Cancer UK
01-01-2026 - 31-12-2028