Radionuclide-based theranostics, where targeted diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are combined for precision treatment of cancer, has revolutionised nuclear medicine. Despite its rapid growth, theranostic applications are in their infancy and will benefit from accurate quantification of radionuclide uptake and post-therapy dosimetry. Currently, only relative quantification is performed, with numerous well-known limitations. Accurate knowledge of activity concentrations across tissues and consequently, the regional distribution of absorbed radiation dose (dosimetry) would aid both translation of theranostic agents and their safe personalised clinical implementation. Absolute quantification using advanced SPECT/CT can accurately measure radiopharmaceutical concentrations across in vivo biodistributions by incorporating system physical characteristics and imaging physics. Whilst initially only possible for 99mTc, absolute quantification has now expanded to other isotopes such as 177Lu, 111In, 225Ac and 123I. Absolute quantification with SPECT/CT could potentially aid assessment of disease burden and tumour therapy response. In addition, one of the key objectives is to improve dose estimations to critical organs to optimize radionuclide therapy administration to achieve highest tumour dose while limiting potential toxicity. Accurate dosimetry is critical to interpret radiobiological dose-response relationships and translate results into clinical applications. In this project, the capability of state-of-the-art preclinical SPECT/CT will be investigated for theranostic applications. Further improvements will be explored by precise voxel-based dosimetry and validated for use in a variety of biological questions within pre-clinical translational research. The project offers ample opportunity for integration within college research groups and the industry partner offering unique perspectives in pre-clinical and clinical theranostic technologies, practices and product development.
Department:
School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
Funding:
The MRC DTP only offer 4-year fully funded studentship awards including a stipend, tuition fees, research training and support grant (RTSG) and a travel and conference allowance.
Stipend: The rate for academic year 22/23 is £22,168. This is a tax-free payment made to the student.
Tuition fees: The studentship award covers the full tuition fee amount.
Research training and support grant (RTSG): £6,400 per year. Can also be known as bench fees, which is a contribution towards consumable costs of training research students.
Travel and conference allowance: £300 per year. This is a contribution to the costs of attending scientific conferences, workshops, or visits to collaborators.
Flexible Supplement: Available to students funded by the MRC, this can help fund a wide range of research and training activities.
Funding source: This project is co-funded by the MRC and the Industry Partner Mediso Medical Imaging Systems.
Application Web Page:
Full details on how to apply here: https://kcl-mrcdtp.com/apply/application-process/