Barry Reed/Barts Cancer Institute funded PhD studentship: Exploiting the dual action of low dose cilengitide to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer

This studentship is open to graduates from the UK/EU with either:
- a 2:1 or 1st degree in a related subject; or,
- a 2:2 in a related subject with a subsequent MSc awarded with Merit or Distinction
If your degree has not yet been awarded, but you are expected to meet the above entry requirements you are welcome to apply.

Our research training programme aims to develop a cohort of scientists equipped both intellectually and technically to conduct the highest quality cancer research.

Our research degrees are supplemented by a comprehensive support programme, providing training in a wide range of biomedical laboratory methods and other vital transferable skills.

You will be based at the beautiful Charterhouse Square campus in the heart of London.


Project Outline:

This PhD position will enable the successful candidate to embark on an stimulating cancer research project in the supportive and career-enhancing environment of the Barts Cancer Institute in the laboratory of Professor Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke.

Immunotherapy probably provides the best opportunity to improve the outcome of many cancers that otherwise lack effective treatment. However, the limitations of immunotherapy include ensuring a high level of access to the cancer microenvironment and reducing side effects.

We have discovered a new strategy that we have termed vascular promotion which can reduce tumour growth, metastasis and minimize side effects whilst extending survival (Wong et al., Cancer Cell 2015).

In this PhD project we propose to test our new vascular promotion strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. The work will involve not only increasing delivery of immunotherapy to cancer but also enhancing its efficacy in vivo thus potentially reducing side effects. The project will involve investigations at the organismal, cellular and molecular level. The impact of this exciting project could include the provision of a new way to improve immunotherapy as a basis for translation in patients.

For more information, including details on how to apply please see our website:
https://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate-research/barry-reed-bci-funded-phd-studentships