Evaluating novel therapeutic strategies to target tumour metastases

Metastases are a frequently incurable and devastating outcome for many cancer patients with advanced disease. Clinical evidence illustrates that different primary tumours metastasise to preferential sites - a phenomenon that underpinned Paget’s “seed and soil” hypothesis, proposing that specific cancer ”seeds” proliferate well in specific secondary site “soils”. The mechanisms driving targeted metastases are complex and involve changes in both cells within the primary tumour and at the metastatic site. The latter generates a permissive “niche” for the subsequent influx and growth of cancer cells. Oncogenic signalling pathway activation, metabolic phenotype, physiological conditions and tumour immune composition are amongst some of the many characteristics that have the potential to influence the propensity of a tumour cell to metastasise. Further they can be involved in regulating the signalling cascades and processes that can also impact the secondary site “niche”. Common to all of these tumour–related characteristics is the fact that they have been recognised as therapeutic targets, and novel drugs have been developed against key aspects within each area. How these could be used alone or in combination, in a rationale manner to influence metastases is not fully known. This project aims to use complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches to evaluate the ability of novel therapeutic approaches to modify cancer metastasise and improve overall therapy outcome. The project will adopt cell and molecular techniques to evaluate therapeutic response and use co-culture systems to model interaction between specific cell types that influence metastasis. Approaches that look promising from in vitro studies will be taken forward into well-validated in vivo models of metastases, allowing efficacy and biological response to be monitored. The potential outcomes from this research will be a greater understanding of the biological drivers of metastasis and an initial evaluation of therapeutic strategies with the potential to inhibit this process.

 1.     Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a first class honours degree (or equivalent) in a Biosciences or a related subject.  Candidates with experience in Cancer Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology are encouraged to apply.

 2.     For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the PhD title.

3.     For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk