Mechanisms of brain metastasis, Medical Sciences – funded MbyRes

Secondary brain tumours i.e. brain metastases, are formed when cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain. Approximately 10-30% of cancer patients develop brain metastases and, while any cancer can spread to the brain, breast cancer and lung cancer are the two most common solid tumours to cause brain metastases. Brain metastases have a significant impact on sufferers, with impaired quality of life and an average survival of only 2.3 - 13.5 months after diagnosis.

Treatment options for brain metastases are still limited and represent a serious unmet medical need in the care of cancer patients. This is partly due to the difficulty in developing treatments that can access the brain, but also importantly because the mechanisms by which brain metastases form are still not fully known. This research project aims to build on our previous work and examine the mechanisms by which circulating primary lung and breast cancer tumour cells adhere to, and pass through, the walls of the blood vessels in the brain (blood brain barrier).

This award provides annual funding to cover UK/EU tuition fees and project costs, but no stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 2 years of full-time study, or pro rata for part-time study to commence in February 2020 (or as soon as possible thereafter).