(MCRC Clinical - Leeds-Manchester) Multi-parametric MRI as a biomarker in CNS radiotherapy trials

This project will apply advanced MR imaging techniques to the problem of risk estimation in patients undergoing complex CNS radiotherapy interventions.

Advanced radiotherapy for brain tumours permits increasingly complex intervention and highly flexible dose distribution, but currently is based on incomplete definition of relevant anatomy and underlying physiology. This is particularly relevant in the context of complex interventions, notably including when patients undergo second course radiotherapy, when standard dose radiotherapy is given in combination with potentially radiosensitising drugs and when proton beam treatment (PBT) is used. This project will investigate the use of multi-parametric MRI to improve definition of risk of damage to normal brain and other relevant structures in each of these situations. The Leeds neuro oncology team are currently running a portfolio of clinical studies including investigations of re-irradiation, (BRIOChe) and in combination with radiosensitising agents (AZD1390) for patients with recurrent gliomas. A study of PBT in good prognosis glioma patients is in development. Imaging from these studies will be available for analysis and the PhD project will fund additional MR imaging in subsets of these trial patients to facilitate detailed evaluation. These projects are supported by specialist research radiographer, radiotherapy physicist and research nurse. Ongoing collaborations include links to the Manchester imaging team, the neuro-oncology clinicians and the PBT team.

Entry Requirements:
Candidates must hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second class (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. A related master’s degree would be an advantage. All applicants should be post-registration clinicians and ideally have a specialist training post. Candidates of any nationality may apply but must have been resident and working in the EEA (European Economic Area) for three years immediately before application and intend to pursue a medical career in the UK.

To submit a formal application for this studentship please make direct contact with Jo Bentley, Clinical Academic Training Programme Manager [Email Address Removed]