Prognostic Markers in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the ninth most common malignant disease in the world (Ferlay et al., 2015). Following removal of diseased tissue, cancer reoccurs in approximately 40% of patients and in 8% it metastasises into other tissues. Since lymph node metastases decrease the chances of long-term survival (Collà Ruvolo et al., 2021), surgeons often elect to remove lymph nodes at the same time as the tumour. However, this procedure adds risk and recovery time for patients and there are no clear guidelines for surgeons regarding the circumstances in which this should be performed (Peyrottes et al., 2022).

This research will involve the study of resected tissues from historic patient samples to identify possible molecular biomarkers to indicate which patients will or will not benefit from lymph node removal. The technique of RT-qPCR has been used successfully to identify genes associated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients (Kubota et al., 2003). In the case of bladder cancer, cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and uroplakin 2 (UPK2) are highly diagnostic markers. (Kokkat et al., 2013; Tian et al., 2015).

This project is being run in collaboration with Mr Adel Makar, a senior urological oncology surgeon at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Histological samples removed from patients with bladder cancer over the past 20 years and complete patient histories are available for the study.

This project will involve RNA extraction and RT-qPCR. Applications from candidates with knowledge or previous experience in these techniques and a good understanding of statistics are encouraged to apply.

Additional costs

Given that this is a laboratory-based project, there are some additional costs for the procurement of reagents essential to delivering the research objectives. This will include reagents for RNA extraction and RT-qPCR. It is expected that these extra costs will not exceed £1500 per annum.

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/human-biology-mphilphd and click on ‘How to Apply’ in the top menu. This PhD could be carried out on a part time or full time basis so please select the relevant application link. On the application form, please make it clear that you are applying for one of our advertised projects so we can direct it straight to the relevant people.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

Funding your PhD

For information about Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.worc.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/doctoral-loans.aspx

During your PhD you can access the Research Student Support Scheme to support dissemination costs associated with your research, up to £500 a year.

Worcester Biomedical Research Group

The Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG) aims to promote multidisciplinary Biomedical Science research at the University of Worcester and fosters collaborations between staff (cross-institute), students and local health / industrial organisations.

Building sustainable societies through research into disease prevention, medical treatment and diagnostics, lies at the heart of the WBRG research ethos. We aim to achieve this goal through basic and translational Biomedical Research with particular focus on cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.

Widening Participation

As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and/or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience.

Supervisory Team

Dr Amy Cherry, Dr Steve Coles, Dr Emma Edwards

Director of Studies

Dr Amy Cherry, Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG) School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester

Supervisors

Dr Steve Coles, Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG) School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester

Dr Emma Edwards, Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG) School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester

Research Group: Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG)

For further information or an informal discussion on this project, please contact Dr Amy Cherry (Director of Studies) via email at a.cherry@worc.ac.uk