PhD Studentship: Development of an Anthropomorphic Phantom for PErsonalised Radioimmunotherapy (DAPPER)

Supervisory Team: Dr. Orestis Katsamenis, Dr. Charles Burson-Thomas, Dr. Sofia Michopoulou, (Faculty of Medicine & University Hospital Southampton), Dr. Frederick Wilson, (Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited), Dr. Andrew Fenwick, (National Physical Laboratory), Dr. Juliana Maynard, (Medical Research Council National PET Imaging Platform)

PhD Supervisor: Orestis Katsamenis

Project description:

Are you passionate about cutting-edge medical research and the potential to directly impact patient care? Join our interdisciplinary team at the University of Southampton and contribute to the development of a groundbreaking approach to improve radioimmunotherapy dosimetry.

Radioimmunotherapy is a crucial treatment for bone cancers, with approximately 2,000 patients in the UK undergoing bone marrow transplants each year. The process involves using radioactive antibodies to target and eradicate unhealthy bone marrow, presenting a safer alternative to total body irradiation. However, current dosimetry methods - the process of applying conversion factors on the SPECT/CT images to calculate radioactivity concentration within the patient's body - lack precision due to oversimplified phantoms that fail to replicate the complex anatomy of human tissues. This leads to a conservative approach in prescribing radioactivity and a systematic undertreatment of patients undergoing radiommunotherapy for bone marrow ablation.

This project will build upon the team’s expertise in advanced imaging, image-based modeling and dosimetry to design and manufacture an anatomically accurate dosimetry phantom of the lumbar spine; that is a specially designed object that mimics the relevant properties of the vertebral bodies.

To achieve this, we will utilise high-resolution Computed micro-Tomography and clinical CT datasets to create detailed models of human vertebrae. These models will be refined to account for population variability, and then used to develop 3D-printed, anatomically realistic structures. Monte Carlo simulations will establish a ground truth for dosimetry calibration using these new phantoms.

Clinical validation of the phantom will take place at University Hospital Southampton and the National Physical Laboratory. This project will also explore the phantom’s performance in Total Body PET imaging for post-therapy verification, an area where conventional PET technology falls short.

By comparing the new phantom's accuracy with the current clinical standard, we aim to significantly enhance dosimetry accuracy, leading to safer and more effective treatments. Improved standardisation of scanner calibrations across multiple centres will further reduce inaccuracies and support future dose escalation studies.

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to develop transferable skills in advanced imaging, 3D modeling, and biomedical research. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team based in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, supported by world-class infrastructure and expertise, and working closely with the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre and the Biomedical Imaging Unit.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 October 2024. 

Funding: Tuition fee and stipend guaranteed for successful applicant from either UK or an EU-Horizon country, for eligible countries please see full list at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/doctoral-college/eu-fee-waivers.page

How To Apply

Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above. 

Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”.

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor: Orestis Katsamenis

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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