Microbiology and Immunology: Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynaecological cancers (>2000 deaths/year, UK). It is described as a silent killer as most diagnoses occur after it has spread to the peritoneal cavity (metastasis). It is known that peritoneal cells contribute to the growth of metastatic tumours. Previously, it was demonstrated that an immune cell-produced metabolite promotes peritoneal tumour growth (https://doi.org/10.1172/jci99169). However, a host of interconnected metabolic and immune pathways likely regulate tumour progression.  

Identification of these novel mechanisms will provide new targeted therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer.  

The current MRC New Investigator Grant focuses on peritoneal dialysis for kidney disease and aims to add metabolites/drugs to improve this treatment, but this also opens the exciting possibility for using peritoneal dialysis as a tissue-targeted drug delivery tool for metastatic ovarian cancer. This includes utilising existing chemotherapies (e.g. Carboplatin) and targeting new peritoneal-specific mechanisms that promote tumour growth.  

Funding Details

The studentship covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

There is also an additional £1,000 for research expenses.

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