(MCRC Clinical) Reducing the Risk of Blood Cancer Treatment: Delivering Personalised Transplant Medicine
About the Project
A stem cell transplant is the only way to cure many patients with blood cancer. While this treatment works by introducing immune cells which eliminate residual cancer, the engrafted donor cells may also damage healthy tissues, a common and potentially life-threatening complication called graft versus-host disease (GvHD). Strategies to prevent GvHD, by suppressing donor immune cells, increase the risk of cancer returning and together these complications represent the major barrier to improving patient outcomes. This study aims to develop blood tests that accurately determine the risk of developing GvHD, enabling withdraw of suppressive medications for low-risk patients, reducing their risk of relapse, whilst giving additional treatment to prevent GvHD for high-risk cases - thereby increasing the success of this critically important blood cancer treatment.
This study will use samples from our unique collection of blood taken at eight timepoints from 300 transplant recipients collected across Manchester. The student will measure the concentration of several hundred plasma proteins and identify those whose abundance correlates with the risk of GvHD. These studies will reveal which timepoints are most informative and how soon after a transplant we can predict GvHD.
DNA is released following cell death and its abundance in blood reflects tissue damage. The CRUK National Biomarker Centre has recently developed a sequencing method to characterise the chemical modification of DNA molecules in blood. The pattern of modification can be used to identify the tissue of origin and contains information about the type of immune response. This project will investigate the potential of this approach to predict GvHD.
This project will provide the successful candidate with direct experience of leading-edge biomarker discovery platforms, a solid grounding in bioinformatics and a research network that can support subsequent clinical development of novel biomarkers - setting the scene for their own future research independence and leadership.
Eligibility
You must be a post-registration clinician, and ideally have a specialist post in a related subject, to apply for our Clinical Research Training Fellowships.
You should also hold, or about to obtain, a minimum Upper Second Class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. A related master’s degree would be an advantage.
It is generally expected that CRTFs will return to a training programme in the UK upon completion of their research degree.
International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University's Country Specific information page.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website. On the online application form select MCRC PhD Programme.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application, please contact our admissions team.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.
Applications Timeline
Applications open: 11 October 2024
Application deadline: 15 November 2024
Interviews: 17th January 2025
Start date: September 2025
Funding Notes
The clinical fellowships are usually tenable over three years, although in certain circumstances they may be four years duration. The fellowship covers: running expenses, an appropriate salary in line with the applicant's current salary and grade and full coverage of University PhD fees at the UK/home fee rate.
International Candidates
We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high- performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges. We asses each EU and international candidate's suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages.
Open Days
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