Implants for Localised Combination Therapy in Cancer: Delivery of Anticancer Drugs and Radiosensitisers

About the Project

This PhD project will develop biodegradable implants for the localised treatment of solid tumours using combination therapy. The implants will be primarily fabricated using melt-processing techniques, enabling scalable and reproducible production of drug-loaded devices. These implants will be designed to deliver a combination of anticancer drugs and radiosensitisers, such as gold nanoparticles, directly to the tumour site.

The therapeutic payload will include DNA damage repair inhibitors, such as olaparib, ATR inhibitors, CHK1 inhibitors, and ATM/ATR inhibitors, combined with gold nanoparticles to enhance DNA damage during radiotherapy. The implants will be administered primarily after tumour resection surgery, targeting residual cancer cells and the surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence and improve local control.

The project will investigate drug release kinetics, nanoparticle distribution, and synergistic effects on tumour cell death. In vitro and in vivo models will be used to assess DNA damage yields, cytokine responses, and therapeutic efficacy. Both surgically implanted devices and injectable micro-implants will be explored to accommodate different clinical scenarios.

Training provided through the research project

The PhD student will work across two laboratories: one within Queen’s University Belfast’s Drug Delivery Group, a vibrant and international research environment comprising over 40 researchers, focused on polymer processing and implant fabrication; and a second laboratory specialising in nanoparticle formulation and biological evaluation for cancer treatment. This dual-lab setup will provide a multidisciplinary training experience.

The student will receive hands-on training in melt-processing, formulation development, and implant design, using advanced equipment such as a vacuum compression moulding system. They will also gain expertise in nanoparticle synthesis, characterisation, and biological assays relevant to cancer therapy. Training will include techniques such as SEM, mechanical testing, thermal analysis, HPLC, UV-vis, fluorescence, IR spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and tomography. Biological evaluation will involve cancer models, DNA damage assays, and nanoparticle tracking.

Professional development will be supported by the QUB Graduate School, with tailored programmes in research skills, leadership, and career planning. The student will build competencies in academic writing, project management, and industrial communication, and will present their research at national and international conferences to enhance their professional profile.

Expected impact activities

The student will publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences in drug delivery, and nanomedicine. They will collaborate with clinical and industrial partners to support translational development, explore patent opportunities, and engage in public outreach and science communication to maximise the societal impact of their research.

Funding Notes

This project is not funded; applications are welcome from self-funding candidates.