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Identification of novel clinically actionable molecular subtypes in non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumours

School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences | PHD

Applications are now CLOSED
Funding
Funded
Reference Number
SMED-2231-1242
Application Deadline
2 July 2023
Start Date
1 October 2023

Overview

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs) typically release hormones into the bloodstream. A subgroup called non-functioning PitNETs cause debilitating headaches and blindness requiring surgical management. This collaborative project, with the genomics company Illumina will apply innovative technologies to identify novel, clinically actionable targets for PitNETs and has an additional stipend uplift of £2000.

The pituitary is a small gland (about the size of a pea) below the brain inside the cranium. Pituitary tumours are the second most common type of intracranial tumour and are called pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs). Many PitNETs secrete hormones (called functioning tumours) that cascade through the body to regulate processes like growth, fertility and metabolism. These can be treated with medication to control hormone levels. Other PitNETs do not secrete hormones (called non-functioning). These non-functioning PitNETs are typically managed with surgery; however, some may also require radiotherapy to prevent tumour growth. A significant proportion of patients are physically incapable of undergoing surgery or radiotherapy. Unfortunately, there are no effective medical therapies for patients with non-functioning PitNETs and this is particularly relevant for those who cannot avail of surgical or radiotherapeutic options. Thus, there is a significant unmet clinical need for these patients.

Some non-functioning PitNETs express hormones when examined by microscopy. There is some evidence this subset can behave in a more aggressive manner. This collaborative project aims to utilise the skills, knowledge and resources of the project partners to evaluate the transcriptome and methylome of rare PitNETs to identify novel, clinically actionable therapeutic targets.

Funding Information

Collaborative studentship between Department for the Economy and Illumina Cambridge Ltd. To be considered eligible you must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the full 3 year period prior to the start of the studentship and you must be ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland on the first day of the start of the studentship.
This CAST studentship comes with a £2000 per year uplift in the basic student stipend.

Project Summary
Supervisor

Prof Jacqueline James

Research Profile

Mode of Study

Full-time: 3 years

Funding Body
Collaborative studentship between Department fo
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