Exercise and pancreatic cancer

Summary

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor survival outcomes. Incidence and mortality rates remain high, with PC projected to surpass breast cancer as the third leading cause of cancer death in Europe by 2025. Standard of care treatment methods are associated with chronic toxicities and the risk of comorbidities (i.e. sarcopenia). Previous work from this team has shown exercise training, delivered as surgical rehabilitation and adjuvant to chemotherapy, provokes numerous benefits that can alleviate this treatment burden and improve quality of life [PMID: 33422020; PMID: 37735664]. Unlike other gastrointestinal cancers, epidemiological evidence of the association between PC risk and / or progression and exercise remains limited.

Although our early observations are important and begin to consolidate and enhance our current understanding of exercise as part of cancer treatment, this data cannot be extrapolated to patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy.  As such, the primary aim of this research project is to ascertain the feasibility of delivering exercise during neoadjuvant therapy and its potential impact on several pertinent treatment-related toxicities.

This PhD studentship will involve undertaking several studies designed to generate preliminary evidence for exercise as a supportive therapy to neoadjuvant treatment. This PhD studentship will build on our history of clinical exercise trials in cancer populations and will merge oncology with the scientific domains of exercise biochemistry and molecular biology. The multidisciplinary nature of this project will allow the PhD researcher to gain experience in clinical trial management, mixed methods research and a range of biochemistry based techniques.

This PhD studentship would suit a graduate from Sport and Exercise Sciences, Health, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health or Biomedical Science. The successful applicant should have a knowledge of exercise oncology and experience of project management / clinical trials would be an advantage

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.