Research, Teaching & Professional recognition

Overview

Dr Ashfaq Khan has published in peer‑reviewed journals (including Oncogene), co‑authored a leading textbook on cervical pre‑cancer, and regularly delivers invited lectures and masterclasses internationally. His research spans molecular mechanisms that influence HPV carcinogenesis, clinical biomarkers to improve detection of pre‑cancerous lesions, and pragmatic advances to colposcopy and cervical screening practice.

Research interests & key contributions

• HPV biology and the molecular drivers of progression from HPV infection to cervical pre‑cancer and cancer.
• Clinical biomarkers (e.g., Brn‑3a and other transcription factors) to improve early detection and risk stratification.
• Role of environmental cofactors (e.g., smoking/nicotine) in modulating HPV activity and cervical oncogenesis.
• Operational research on cervical screening — improving pathways, integrating HPV testing and colposcopy practice.
• Translational research that links laboratory biomarker findings to clinical decision support for colposcopists and clinicians.

Selected publications (highlights)

Below are some notable papers and reviews authored or co‑authored by Dr Khan. These reflect both laboratory and clinical research that has informed practice in colposcopy and cervical screening.

• The cellular transcription factor Brn‑3a and the smoking‑related substance nicotine interact to regulate the activity of the HPV URR in the cervix — Oncogene. Laboratory study showing interaction between Brn‑3a and nicotine in the HPV upstream regulatory region (URR), with implications for smoking as a cofactor in HPV‑related carcinogenesis.
• The HPV cellular trans‑activator Brn‑3a Can be used to Predict Cervical Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Carcinoma Pre‑cancer Lesions — Oncogene. Work on Brn‑3a as a potential predictive biomarker for cervical glandular and squamous pre‑cancer lesions.
• The Benefit of Human Papillomavirus Testing in Predicting Cervical Cancer — European Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Clinical research and review on the role of HPV testing in modern cervical screening strategies.
• Biomarkers in Cervical Pre‑Cancer Management: The New Frontiers — Future Oncology. Review outlining the clinical promise and limitations of molecular biomarkers in colposcopy and screening.
• Multiple clinical case reports and reviews including work on vulval intraepithelial neoplasia, laparoscopic management of ovarian lesions, and practical screening challenges for GPs and clinicians.

(Full publication list available on request or via Dr Khan’s profile at Harley Street Gynaecology — Dr Khan.)

Textbook

Cervical and Lower Genital Tract Pre‑cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment (Wiley‑Blackwell, 2014) — co‑authored/edited with Professor Albert Singer. This comprehensive textbook is used by clinicians and trainees for evidence‑based guidance on diagnosis, colposcopic assessment and management of pre‑cancerous lesions of the cervix and lower genital tract.

Teaching, training & course leadership

Dr Khan is an experienced educator and trainer with roles across clinical training, postgraduate examination and continuous professional development:

• Certified trainer and former chief trainer — British Colposcopy Society & Whittington Hospital Colposcopy Unit.
• Supervisor — Advanced Training Skills Module (ATSM) for the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG), London Deanery.
• Moderator for postgraduate courses preparing candidates for the Royal College examinations.
• Course Director — Basic and Advanced Colposcopy courses (UK and international locations including Gulf, South Asia and Africa).
• Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer — UCL Medical School (involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching).
• Examiner — final year medical student examinations and clinical assessments.

Selected invited lectures & masterclasses

Dr Khan has been invited to speak and run workshops at national and international meetings. Selected recent and notable engagements include:

• Colposcopy for Glandular Intraepithelial Neoplasia — Ukraine Gynae‑Oncology Society, Kiev (December 2018).
• Colposcopy workshops for senior colposcopists — Lisbon (December 2018).
• Advanced Masterclass on Lower Genital Tract Disease — Dubai (2015–2018 series).
• Basic Colposcopy Courses — Dubai (2014–2019).
• EuroGIN Conference, Amsterdam — Basic principles of Colposcopy (October 2017).
• FIGO Congress, Cape Town — Epigenetic markers in detection of cervical pre‑cancer (2009).
• Numerous regional and international meetings covering biomarkers, real‑time screening techniques and colposcopy best practice.

Awards & professional recognition

• Ranzo Barraso Award — European Federation of Colposcopy (EFC), 2007 (prestigious prize recognising contribution to colposcopy).
• Best Abstract — British Colposcopy Society Scientific Conference (2007, 2009, 2011).
• Best Oral Presentation — British Colposcopy Society Scientific Conference, 2007.
• Included in the “Who’s Who in the World” (2010 edition) for contributions to clinical research and medical education.
• Leadership roles in NHS gynaecology governance and quality improvement, and director-level responsibility for regional cervical screening.

Impact, collaborations & clinical translation

Dr Khan’s research sits at the interface of laboratory science and clinical practice. He has collaborated with internationally recognised researchers and clinicians (including Professor Albert Singer and Prof David Latchman during research mentorship and fellowships) to translate biomarker discoveries into clinical questions that can change screening and colposcopy pathways.

His clinical audits and outcome data (over 500 colposcopy assessments and treatments per year) inform local quality‑improvement projects and national conversations about best practice in cervical screening and management of pre‑cancerous disease.

Collaborations, speaking requests & research enquiries

To discuss collaborative research, invite Dr Khan to lecture, or request an interview, please contact the clinic team:

• Email: info@harleystreetgynaecology.com
• Phone: 0208 050 6063
• For academic collaborators: please state project aims, funding sources and timelines when making initial contact.