The side-effects and long-term sequelae of cancer chemotherapy (CT) remain a major source of concern for both patients & clinicians despite the improved efficacy and enhanced survival offered by modern treatments. Oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of febrile (fever) episodes which commonly involve oral infections[1-2] and complications such as oral mucositis (OM). Pre-existing dental pathologies including periodontitis and caries[3] may contribute to higher abundance of pathogens and damaged mucosa, increasing the risk of oral pathogen translocation to other body sites[4].
Numerous studies report the influence of the gut microbiome on cancer therapy response and its crucial role in modulating cancer therapy toxicity5. Some microbial species may contribute to protection against cancer immunotherapy whereas others can enhance toxic effects[5]. The role of the oral microbiome on CT is less well characterised[6].
This project aims to characterise the oral microbiome of patients during their oncology treatment pathway and determine whether receiving intensive dental interventions prior to commencing chemotherapy can reduce incidence/severity of oral and or other body site infections.
The candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team who are evaluating oral health and systemic health interactions. They will investigate the oral microbiome of oncology patients to gain invaluable insights into the biological mechanism driving dysbiosis and leading to chemotherapy induced complications.
The project supports the School’s research strategy to understand the relationship between oral and systemic health combining basic sciences and clinical research (on microbiome analysis, bioinformatics, patient care), with interdisciplinary collaborations. High quality publications are expected (3*/4* REF rating).
Aims & Objectives:
Aim: To gain an understanding of the role of the oral microbiome in the infectious sequelae that can lead to life-threatening adverse events in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Objectives:
- Complete the study’s ethical approval process and co-ordinate patient sampling, and sample processing.
- Undertake metagenomic profiling: detailed taxonomy and functional capacity will be defined and provide insight into the role of oral microbes in the infectious sequelae of oncology patients.
- Correlate bioinformatic and clinical data (including treatment outcomes): determine signals driving dysbiosis and potential modulation by oral and dental interventions.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements are:
- British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.
How to apply:
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete an online Faculty Scholarship Application form and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to complete the online Scholarship Reference form on your behalf and send directly to [Email Address Removed] by no later than Friday 09 April 2021.
If you have already applied for other scholarships this academic session using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email [Email Address Removed] to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]
Closing date for this scholarship is Friday 09 April 2021.
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