MSc By Research: Exploring how the immune microenvironment contributes to outcome in male breast cancer

The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master's degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. If you have your own ideas for a research project in this area, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to one of the project supervisors above to discuss your ideas.

You can find further information about our academic requirements and programme structure here.

Background

Men receiving a breast cancer diagnosis experience shock, bewilderment, and disbelief. They often feel embarrassed, facing the stigma of having what is perceived as predominately a female disease. Disparities exist in how men are diagnosed, managed, and treated. Men frequently present with more advanced disease, limiting treatment options which leads to unnecessary deaths. Treatments are based on extrapolation from clinical trials conducted in women, not evidence based, and mortality is higher in men. Male breast cancer is also different biologically from breast cancer in women.

Aims

To eliminate these sex-based inequalities, this project will:

1. Further the understanding of what makes male breast cancer different by addressing gaps identified from the first systematic review of male breast carried out by the applicant, centred on inconsistencies in expression of cell cycle checkpoint proteins, to provide a rationale for using checkpoint inhibitors for treatment
2. Increase the awareness of breast cancer in men, de-stigmatise this and reduce inequalities in diagnosis, management, and treatment

Techniques and Methodology

Cell cycle checkpoint proteins will be evaluated immunohistochemically using our collection of >500 male breast cancers with long term follow up. Results will be evaluated using a multivariate Cox survival model. Increased awareness of male breast cancer will be achieved by bringing together stakeholders, including men with breast cancer, patient advocate groups, NHS clinicians, academics, other healthcare professionals, and charitable organisations in a 2-day interdisciplinary conference to identify what men need, what research tells us and how these two aspects may be harnessed for patient benefit. Results will be disseminate widely for both lay and professional audiences.

Impact on breast cancer research

This united interdisciplinary approach will help change the narrative and stigma around male breast cancer, increasing awareness, mitigating sex-based inequalities, and, importantly, save lives.

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Applicants to this project should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Professor Valerie Speirs (valerie.speirs@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity.

• Prospective students should contact the lead supervisor (via the email address listed above) to discuss the research project and complete a proposal form prior to / or shortly after applying.
• Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team.
• Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form. If this is not included, your application may not be considered for the project.
• Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level.
• Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal).
• Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance.
• If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk