Funded by OCIC: Imaging the tumour microenvironment: Development of novel approaches to spatially map perfusion and metabolism

This project is funded by the Oxford Cancer Imagine Centre (OCIC)

Metastasis, the spread of cancer from the primary tumour site to distant organs, remains one of the greatest hurdles in cancer therapy, and is a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Metastases represent the most common cancer in the brain, outnumbering primary brain tumours tenfold, and 10-40% of all cancer patients will develop metastatic spread to the brain. Clinically, brain metastases are diagnosed only when they are sufficiently large to be detected with currently available imaging methods. Over the last 4-5 years we have developed a number of new approaches for earlier detection of brain metastases. We now need to better understand the local tumour metabolic environment in order to understand the processes underlying tumour progression and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this DPhil project will be to develop and use novel in vivo tomographic imaging methods (including MRI and PET/SPECT) to spatially map vascular and metabolic parameters in brain metastasis. This project will primarily involve in vivo models of brain tumours and would suit either a biological or physical scientist with interests in brain, cancer and/or imaging.


The aim of this DPhil project will be to use novel in vivo tomographic imaging methods, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET and/or SPECT, to spatially map tumour pH and perfusion in brain metastasis. Ex vivo methodologies, such as immunohistochemistry, will be used to validate or extend the in vivo measurements. The student will work closely with data analysis groups in biomedical engineering with regards to modelling of the data obtained. This project will primarily involve in vivo imaging methods in animal models, and would suit either a physical, engineering or biological scientist with interests in imaging, brain and/or cancer.