| Location: | Manchester |
| Salary: | Not specified funding provides full coverage of tuition fees and research expenses |
| Hours: | Full Time |
| Contract: | Contract / Temporary |
| Placed on: | 9th July 2014 |
| Closes: | 31st July 2014 |
Cancer Care MPhil Studentship 2014
Manchester Centre for Health Psychology
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work
Investigating the risks and characteristics of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy drug treatment
Dr Janelle Yorke and Dr Zoe Stamataki
The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work and The Christie Hospital, Manchester invites applications for the following 2-year part-time MPhil studentship. Due to commence September 2014, funding provides full coverage of tuition fees and research expenses. Applicants must be UK/EU nationals due to the nature of the award.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose-limiting side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents including platinum analogues, vinca alkaloids, and taxanes. It is defined as a derangement in structure and function of peripheral motor, sensory and autonomic neurons, causing peripheral neuropathic symptoms and signs. The overall incidence of CIPN is not clear, but it is estimated to occur in 10-20% of patients with treatment and it may be as high as 100% in treated patients depending on chemotherapy drug, dose-intensity, cumulative dose and other as yet unidentified risk factors.
The mechanisms by which these drugs cause neuropathy are not well characterised and the long term functional deficits resulting from these treatments have not been systematically monitored, making research into prevention and treatment more difficult. As advanced cancer treatments can result in extending the lives of individuals affected by cancer, long term functional deficits resulting from such therapies must now be addressed.
The aim of the study is to identify the natural history and characteristics of CIPN within different chemotherapy drugs for up to 12 months after the patient’s first chemotherapy treatment. The method is a prospective observational study over 12 months from the patient’s first chemotherapy treatment and will include patients with a diagnosis of breast, ovarian, lung, and/or head & neck cancers. This is part of a larger international study.
This MPhil represents collaboration between the School of Nursing Supportive and Palliative Care Research Group and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester.
Candidates are expected to hold a minimum upper-second (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in a relevant social/health/psychological sciences subject. A Masters qualification and/or relevant research experience would be a distinct advantage. Given the MPhil is part-time, the expectation is that applicants will predominantly be based in a health professional role and combine the study alongside their employment.
Please direct applications in the following format to Dr Janelle Yorke (janelle.yorke@manchester.ac.uk):
• CV
• Official academic transcripts.
• Contact details for two suitable referees.
• A statement of interest (500 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what motivates you about the research proposal, and how you might approach it.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Yorke at the address above. Deadline for applications: 31 July 2014.
Please direct applications in the following format to Dr Janelle Yorke (janelle.yorke@manchester.ac.uk):
• CV
• Official academic transcripts.
• Contact details for two suitable referees.
• A statement of interest (500 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what motivates you about the research proposal, and how you might approach it.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Yorke at the address above. Deadline for applications: 31 July 2014.
