Overview
Advances in childhood cancer research has led to increased understanding and early diagnosis of cancer, has led to a significant increase in childhood cancer survivorship. However, use of anti-cancer treatments come at a price, as 75% of patients have to live with therapy associated side-effects for many years after the treatment has stopped.
Many adult childhood cancer survivors highlight pain as a side-effect of treatment, with chemotherapy (platinum-based) induced sensory neurodegeneration leading to long-term alterations in sensory perception in adult childhood cancer survivors. Pain, a quality of life issue for adult childhood cancer survivors is underrepresented both in the clinic and research based investigations. This requires initiatives to be forged to drive research into identifying adult childhood cancer survivorship pain focussed therapies, which is the ultimate objective of this investigation.
We are currently defining how chemotherapy can damage the sensory nervous system but also establishing how this activates the sensory neurons to cause pain. We have established key growth factors that are involved with neuroprotection and pain development. By targeting these mechanisms we believe we can understand chemotherapy induced sensory neurodegeneration and pain, which will allow us to effectively treat pain in the future. We utilise cell and rodent based assays inclusive of histology, behavioural assessment and electrophysiological studies incorporating biochemical techniques.
Please refer to Dr Richard Hulse for relevant publications.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Masters degree with Merit.
How to apply
The application deadline is Wednesday 31 August 2022. For a step-by-step guide and to make an application, please visit our how to apply page.
Fees and Funding
This is a self funded project. Please see our funding page on ways to fund your project.
Guidance and Support
Further guidance and support on how to apply can be found on our apply page.
Staff profiles
Entry qualifications
Applicants should have a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Masters degree with Merit.
How to apply
The application deadline is Wednesday 31 August 2022. For a step-by-step guide and to make an application, please visit our how to apply page.
Guidance and support
Further guidance and support on how to apply can be found on our apply page.