PhD Cluster

Chemical nanomaterials for guided surgery in cancer

Enhancing cancer detection and enabling precision surgical intervention to reduce recurrence of the disease

Group lead

Professor Carl Redshaw

Email: C.Redshaw@hull.ac.uk

The Challenge

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK, with over 100 new patients diagnosed per day.

Progress with improving survival has been slow, whilst the disease burden has been increasing with the ageing population. More sophisticated methods of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance are required to address this major unmet clinical need.

The Approach

We aim to develop a multimodal nanoparticle system targeted to rapidly growing and invasive colorectal cancer cells.

It will enhance disease detection and enable precision surgical intervention that reduces recurrence of the disease. It draws on successful interdisciplinary collaborations to develop organic nanoparticles for clinical applications.

Aims

This cluster is part of a new UK wide research network in the area of clinical translation of nanoparticles and the exploitation of novel bio-targeting methodology to deliver a revolution in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Projects

New macrocyclic scaffolds for targeted imaging

Investigating the coordination of macrocyclic ligands using metals of relevance to medical imaging and cancer.

PET imaging of tumors using targeted scaffolds

In this project, macrocycles are been modified to make them better at targeting tumors.

The Impact

Refinement of surgical interventions in cancer to optimise margin resection in aggressive cancers and liver metastases could improve outcomes in up to a third of patients. There is potential to increase colorectal cancer patient survival in a disease affecting ~ 43,000 UK citizens per year.

Members

Professor Carl Redshaw

c.redshaw@hull.ac.uk | 01482 465219

Professor Steve Archibald

s.j.archibald@hull.ac.uk

Dr Tim Prior

t.prior@hull.ac.uk | 01482 466389

Dr Louis Allott

louis.allott@hull.ac.uk

Dr Harry Sample

h.sample@hull.ac.uk
PhD Students

Miss Azaria Razieh is working on new macrocyclic scaffolds for targeted imaging.

Supervisors: Carl Redshaw, Steve Archibald, Tim Prior.

Mr Brandon O’Melia is working on PET imaging of tumours using targeted scaffolds.

Supervisors: Louis Allott, Carl Redshaw, Steve Archibald.

Inspired?

Accelerating a net zero future. Improving health outcomes. Promoting justice and fairness for all. Living with water. Enhancing heritage and creative industries.

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Postgraduate research