Evaluating the risk of biguanides and statins on cancer incidence and mortality rates: a mixed methods study combining pharmacoepidemiological and experimental approaches

About the Project

In the UK, every two minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer and every four minutes someone dies from it– leading to more than 360,000 new cases and 160,000 deaths annually1. By 2035, cancer incidence and mortality rates are projected to raise by another ~30% (>510,000 new diagnoses/year and >211,000 deaths/year) and obesity (a factor linked to cancer risk, mortality and inadequate response to treatments2,3) projected to increase cancer incidence by an extra 670,000 cases and mortality up to 20% 1,3-5. These statistics highlight an urgent need to develop effective chemoprevention and therapeutic agents reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates, and targeting factors influencing these. Biguanide (metformin) and statins (e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin) are MHRA UK approved drugs for managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and dyslipidemia, respectively, the two co-morbid conditions of obesity which are known to influence cancer incidence and mortality rates. This project aims to aid cancer patients by validating and expanding synergistic effect of biguanide+statin combination in obesity linked cancers: breast (the most common cancer in females), pancreatic (second most lethal cancer in males and females) and endometrial cancer (third most common obesity related female cancer). For this purpose we will combine pharmcoepidemiological and experimental approached (mixed methods) to

Objective1. Identify chemoprevention potential of biguanide+statin combination;

Objective2. Assess therapeutic potential of biguanide+statin combination on patient survival; and

Objective3. Evaluate the therapeutic potential of biguanide+statin combination using experimental approaches.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a biological discipline including Biology, Neuroscience and allied fields, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology. Applicants with experience in basic molecular techniques and an interest in neurodevelopment are encouraged to apply.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the appropriate subject title - PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/international-phd/

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website here: View Website