Development of a liquid biopsy assay to assist in identifying patients at high risk of colorectal neoplasia in symptomatic patients with elevated faecal haemoglobin concentrations

Start Date: 20/09/21

Division: Population Health and Genomics

This PhD project centres on a collaboration between Gastroenterology, Genetics and Blood Sciences and would offer an exciting opportunity for research with both laboratory and clinical elements.

The measurement of faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) is a key step in determining a patient’s risk of underlying CRC. We have shown that patients with very high f-Hb (>400µg/g faeces) will yield significant colonic pathology (CRC, pre-cancerous adenoma or inflammatory bowel disease) in ~55% of cases and they are fast-tracked to colonoscopy. We wish to improve the prediction of significant bowel disease in this group with an accurate, non-invasive, low-risk screening tool, based on patients’ blood signatures.

Based on current literature review the student will select the most appropriate CRC specific genes, methylated genes and circulating proteins to study. The student will develop methodology to measure ctDNA, and tumour DNA from the primary lesion in patients with CRC. The student will collaborate with Blood Sciences to work-up assays of targeted blood proteins. A highly sensitive multi-analyte assay will be developed.

This assay will be trialled in a pilot clinical study in symptomatic patients scheduled for colonoscopy.

Apply

Applicants to complete the Application form and email to [Email Address Removed] along with a CV and 2 academic references by Monday 22^nd March 2021.

Eligibility Requirements

First class honours degree, and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. (Non-clinical applicants)

MBChB (clinical applicants)

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5

Reading 5.5, Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5 Writing 6.0