Prof A Thomas, Prof C Pritchard
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Attrition is a major problem in anticancer drug development with ~95% of drugs tested in Phase I trials not reaching the market. The demand for better pre-clinical models that more accurately predict success in clinical trials has motivated us to invest in a patient-relevant tumour “explant” (PDE) platform. In this approach, tumour samples are obtained fresh from surgery, cultured ex vivo and drug responses assessed in situ using multi-immunofluorescence and digital pathology evaluation. One of the major advantages of PDEs over other preclinical models is that they contextually preserve the original architecture of the tissue, thus allowing assessment of responses to agents that target the tumour microenvironment including ICIs and, indeed, our preliminary data indicate patient-specific responses of PDEs to immunotherapies. The aim of this studentship is to use extend the PDE platform to the Birmingham Cancer Centre and apply the PDE platform to investigate patient-specific responses to a range of novel ICIs in development and identify novel biomarkers predictive of response. The student will receive bespoke training in this novel technology, so gaining expertise in cutting-edge digital methods and their application to cancer diagnosis, development of new therapies and biomarkers.
Entry requirements:
You must hold (or be about to obtain) a First or an Upper Second Class UK undergraduate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognised EU institution, in an area relevant to the projects you are applying for.
Qualifications (or a combination of qualifications and experience) which demonstrate equivalent ability and attainment will also be considered.
For example, a less than sufficient first degree may be enhanced to meet the requirements by the acquisition of a Distinction at Masters level or significant research experience gained from employment).
Informal enquiries:
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about IMPACT, please get in touch.
Email us at [Email Address Removed]
Eligibility:
UK/EU applicants only
To apply:
Please refer to https://more.bham.ac.uk/mrc-impact/phd-opportunities/
Funding Notes
The Studentship provides 3.5 years of Stipend at UKRI rates and Tuition fees at UK/EU rates.
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