PHD STUDENTSHIP
Barts and The London - Institute of Cancer
Queen Mary University of London

Title: Establishing the properties of breast density as a biomarker in breast cancer treatment and prevention, and potential for automated measurement of breast density

Supervisors: Jane Warwick and Stephen Duffy

Project Summary:
Mammographic density is a strong and independent risk factor for breast cancer which, unlike most breast cancer risk factors, accounts for a substantial proportion of breast cancer cases and may be modified with treatment. It is therefore is a potential biomarker for breast cancer risk. The aim of this project is to evaluate density as an early marker of effectiveness of both hormonal chemoprevention and treatment of breast cancer and to assess the performance of the Quantra system[1] as a volumetric measure and fully automated means of measuring breast density. We therefore plan for a research student to analyse a number of studies, thereby answering the key questions regarding the potential usefulness of mammographic density as a biomarker of breast cancer risk in both the prevention and treatment settings, and become an independent researcher in this very important field.

1 http://www.hologic.com/breast-screening/volumetric-assessment/


The Institute of Cancer has three fully funded PhD studentships available for 2010 entry. Applicants may apply for one of seven projects (see http://www.cancer.qmul.ac.uk/vacancies/index.html for further details), including this one in epidemiology. This new training programme, part of a multi million pound award from Cancer Research UK (CR-UK), aims to develop a cohort of scientists equipped both intellectually and technically to conduct the highest quality research on cancer. Our research degrees are supplemented by a comprehensive support programme, providing training in a wide range of biomedical laboratory methods and other vital transferable skills.

Applicants should either be in the final year of their degree and expecting to obtain at least a 2:1, or already have graduated with at least a 2:1.

These are 3 year studentships funded by CR-UK and come with a tax free stipend of £19,500 per annum. Home/EU tuition fees will be paid by CR-UK, non EU applicants will have to fund the difference between home and overseas tuition fees themselves, approximately £8000.00 per annum, or apply for an external or internal bursary.

To apply, please download the paper-based School of Medicine & Dentistry application form from our website: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/index.html and return to the Institute of Cancer - email: [log in to unmask]

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For more information please visit http://www.cancer.qmul.ac.uk/vacancies/index.html or contact:

General Enquiries
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020 7882 2081

Specific Enquiries
Dr Simon Joel
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Closing Date is 12th February 2010, interviews are expected to be held in February



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