Radiobiology and Radiotherapy PhD

University of Liverpool

Undertake research that offers the opportunity to make significant impact on strategies to detect and treat cancer on our Radiobiology and Radiotherapy research degree. You’ll explore the application of molecular and/or computational approaches to the study of cancer mechanisms and personalised treatment strategies that impact upon medicine and ultimately patient outcomes.IntroductionThe Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields.Radiotherapy is one of the cornerstones of cancer treatment and a key focus for research in the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine. We aim to develop a greater understanding of the interaction between biological materials with radiation (radiobiology), improve the delivery of radiation for therapeutic purposes, and enhance methods for accurate detection of response to radiation therapy.We have a wealth of clinical expertise and research, which ensures that scientific research is always supervised by leading clinical teams, performed with insights relevant to patients, and informed by an awareness of detailed clinical issues.Research topicsAspects of research where the focus of your PhD could align with the research interests and expertise of our academic staff include:Cellular responses to DNA damage induced by radiation, with the aim of understanding the processes that lead to cancer development and constitute potential therapeutic targetsClinical studies conducted with the intent to improve radiation therapy by improving models and developing more effective treatment protocolsInvestigations in humans and human materials which examine the radiation responses of cells and tissues. The aim would be to better understand the biology of disease and provide the scientific foundation for the development of new or improved therapies for human diseaseTranslational research, taking advantage of new and on-going clinical trials in cancer, developing novel predictive and prognostic biomarkers, and exploring modifications of existing therapiesNote: Radiobiology and Radiotherapy MPhil / MD also available