Genomics for Precision Medicine Based Approaches to Intestinal Cancer Therapy at Swansea University

Funding providers: Swansea University’s Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science

Subject areas: Cancer Genomics, rare disease

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2023 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project description: 

Whilst most cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are sporadic, up to 30% are caused by germline genetic defects that result in early onset (familial) CRC. There is an urgent, unmet need to personalise treatments to target patient-specific cancer subtypes, minimising off-target toxic effects. The genetic causes of sporadic and familial CRCs often involve the same molecular pathways. Therefore, there may be opportunities for genetically targeted, personalised medicine-based approaches for cancer prevention in familial CRC, and treatment of the same key genetic targets in sporadic CRCs.  

This study aims to improve understanding of the molecular events leading to sporadic and familial intestinal cancer development, and to identify putative therapeutic genomic targets for cancer prevention and treatment. Using advanced informatics approaches to understand complex molecular mechanisms of cancer evolution, in combination with more physiologically relevant models for drug discovery, will lead to the development of therapies which offer higher efficacy, fewer side-effects, and lower drug resistance.  

This studentship will be hosted in the medical school in the lab of Dr Laura Thomas on the 4th floor of the institute of Life Science 1. The group is a mix of academic researchers, clinicians and computer scientists who will all support the studentship. The research is interdisciplinary, requiring expertise across the faculties of Medicine, Health and Life Science, and Science and Engineering (Maths and Computer science) to support analysis of complex data. The project will further benefit from industry collaboration and close working with the NHS (gastroenterology, surgery and genetics) and international academics and clinicians.  

Eligibility

Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). 

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

Funding Details

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £18,622.

Additional research expenses will also be available.