|
The following table is showing all available positions starting in November 2019. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks offers an attractive salary and working conditions. A unique feature of MSCA-ITN is that during the PhD research, ESR PhD students will be given the opportunity to perform at least two secondments of about 3 months each at the facilities of other consortium members. ESR PhD students will benefit from a dedicated training program in the various fields of expertise of the consortium partners. Salary is complemented with a mobility allowance.
ESR 1
| Reference: |
| ESR 1 |
Host: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
Start: |
| ESR1 started 16 August 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.7
Defining the optimal watch and wait criteria needed to identify those patients with a cCR. Define imaging criteria to identify patients eligible for organ preserving strategies based on endoscopy and MRI. |
Task details: |
| Objectives: The accuracy to predict a cCR based on currently available imaging modalities (MRI, CT-scan and PET/CT) is variable, and is actually of far higher accuracy when assessed by clinical experts on watch and wait regimens. Our aim is to create standardised criteria by which patients with a cCR could be identified with high accuracy and minimalize inter observer variability.
Expected Results: Defined set of criteria for watch and wait based upon imaging, liquid biopsies, tissue biopsies and NGS.
Planned secondments: To KETT for training and the use of the new flexible NIRF endoscope (3 months; m9-11); To SIMFO to understand the maintrac® system for measuring CTCs (3 months; m24-26); to CAT for clinical training of watch and wait strategies in rectal cancer patients (1 month, m37). |
ESR 2
| Reference: |
| ESR 2 |
Host: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
Start: |
| ESR2 started 16 March 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.1
PLGA platform for targeted and dual modality PET-CT and fluorescence imaging |
Task details: |
| Objectives: We aim to use PLGA nanoparticles, derivatised with DTPA or DOTA, so that nuclear tracers, 18FDG and 68Ga, may be captured onto the PLGA. A NIRF dye with 700-800nm excitation / emission, such as ICG, will be encapsulated within the PLGA. Besides the presence of the dual modality imaging contrast agents, the PLGA nanoparticles will also be made to be targeted towards the selected tumour. Conjugation of a cRGD peptide, SGM-101 and EMI-137 antibodies will be compared. These will be validated in mouse models but the most promising will then be sent to STRAS for testing in the pig model.
Expected Results: PLGA platform for dual modality PET-CT and fluorescence imaging including specific tumour and inflammation targeting.
Planned secondments: To EMI for imaging analysis (3 months; m10-12); To UMG-GOE for optimisation (2 months, m18-19). To HMR for biomarker assay (2 months, m30-31). |
ESR 3
| Reference: |
| ESR 3 |
Host: |
| STRAS (Université de Strasbourg) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| STRAS (Université de Strasbourg) |
Start: |
| ESR3 started 1 November 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.1
Image system design and analysis |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To develop a flexible endoscope that could be used for diagnostic procedures, based upon characterising the changes in endogenous tissue properties and the local concentration of fluorescent contrast agents.
Expected Results: To deliver the combination of targeted probes and fluorescence endoscopy in the form of a steerable instrument for visualisation of tumours in rectal cancer models
Planned secondments: To EMI for a study of targeted fluorescence endoscopy in rectal cancer patients using EMI-137 (3 months, m12-14); To NKI for a study of fluorescence endoscopy in rectal cancer patients (3 months; m18-20). |
ESR 4
| Reference: |
| ESR 4 |
Host: |
| KI (Karolinska Institute) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| KI (Karolinska Institute) |
Start: |
| ESR4 started 1 April 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.6
Development of quality criteria for new watch and wait centres |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To implement rectal preserving strategies where standardized procedures for response assessment and follow-up is put in place through a multidisciplinary team of radiologists, surgeons and gastroenterologists.
Expected Results: Diagnostic data from imaging, liquid biopsies, tissue biopsies and NGS plus a strategy of immunotherapeutic or local radiotherapy in place of surgery in the situation where rectal cancer regrowth is detected.
Planned secondments: To MANC to develop nomograms for predicting local recurrence, distant metastases and overall survival for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (3 months, m12-14); To PERC to study miRNA biomarkers (3 months, m26-28). |
ESR 5
| Reference: |
| ESR 5 |
Host: |
| CCC (Champalimaud Foundation) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| CCC (Champalimaud Foundation) |
Start: |
| ESR5 started 1 March 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.6
Clinical training in fluorescence imaging |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To develop a virtual fluorescence training program to analyse and interpret images from laparoscopic and open surgery. The work will combine data from centres which practice watch and wait into a central repository at www.iwwd.org.
Expected Results: An intensive 3-day training program for clinicians from new watch and wait centres will be developed. This will consist of virtual endoscopic imaging training program for surgeons and gastroenterologists, as well as clinical training in the CCC and other expert centres. An opportunity to study and compare real word differences in assessment, follow up, and outcome will be put in place at the CCC.
Planned secondments: To EMI to study real world protocols of fluorescence imaging (3 months, m9-11); To MANC and to study the nomograms from their work (3 months, m18-20). |
ESR 6
| Reference: |
| ESR 6 |
Host: |
| NKI (The Netherlands Cancer Institute) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| NKI (The Netherlands Cancer Institute) |
Start: |
| ESR6 started 1- December 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.6
Clinical training imaging strategies. |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To implement a cross disciplinary watch and wait protocol involving radiographers/MR technicians, radiologists, surgeons and gastroenterologists for image acquisition, image analysis and endoscopic evaluation.
Expected Results: A protocol to train other watch and wait (before patient inclusion may be initiated at those sites) and in addition, implementation of an e-learning procedure containing imaging teaching files from 25 watch and wait cases from previous studies.
Planned secondments: To SURGI to set a plan to synchronise the two respective training programs for optical imaging (3 months, m15-17); To MSC to study the radiography/MR protocols (3 months, m22-24). |
ESR 7
| Reference: |
| ESR 7 |
Host: |
| MPG (Max-Plank-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaft ev.) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| UMG-GOE (Universitätsmedizin Göttingen-Georg-August-Universität
Göttingen-Stiftung öffentlichen Rechts) |
Start: |
| ESR7 started 27 October 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.2
Tumour and inflammation targeting under dual PET-CT and fluorescence imaging |
Task details: |
| Objectives: Several PET tracers have been developed to highlight different physiological processes of tumours. Our objective is to co-register PET tracers with NIRF on a PLGA nanoparticle platform where we will demonstrate hybrid PET-CT and fluorescence imaging in order to derive complementary information of molecular events from two different imaging modalities.
Expected Results: Targeting of PLGA nanoparticles towards activated neutrophils (inflammation) to be visualized by co-registered 18FDG and NIRF.
Planned secondments: To STRAS to evaluate the operations of imaging and analysis (3 months, m16-18); To LUMC to study current watch and wait strategies being employed (3 months, m20-22); To PERC to validate miRNA markers (1 month, m28). |
ESR 8
| Reference: |
| ESR 8 |
Host: |
| ULIV (University of Liverpool) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| ULIV (University of Liverpool) |
Start: |
| ESR 8 has been recruited and will start as soon as possible. |
Duration: |
| 24 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.7
Develop a pre-treatment decision model to inform patients and provide a structure for “shared decision making” |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To demonstrate that induction treatment consisting of 5x5 Gy followed by consolidation chemotherapy does not compromise local control when compared with standard CRT with minimal radiation toxicity.
Expected Results: To show that 5x5 Gy followed by consolidation chemotherapy could lead to equal (or higher) cCR rates with better patient outcomes over 3 years as compared to standard CRT.
Planned secondments: To LUMC. |
ESR 9
| Reference: |
| ESR 9 |
Host: |
| ULIV (University of Liverpool) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| ULIV (University of Liverpool) |
Start: |
| ESR9 started 1 September 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.4
Optimisation of localized high dose radiotherapy to treat for tumour regrowth |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To evaluate two types of brachytherapy: a) contact x-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) and b) high dose rate intra luminal rectal brachytherapy as (non-surgical) treatment options for rectal cancer recurrence.
Expected Results: Consensus and report on the type of brachytherapy needed for the different stages of regrowth to improving outcomes.
Planned secondments: To SIMFO to evaluate biomarkers in rectal cancer patients (6 months, m12-17); To KI to study nanoparticle-based immunotherapeutics (3 months, m26-28); To UCAM for encapsulation and reduced toxicity of radionuclides (2 months, m32-33). To HMR for biomarker assay (2 months, m34-35). |
ESR 10
| Reference: |
| ESR 10 |
Host: |
| MANC (University of Manchester) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| MANC (University of Manchester) |
Start: |
| ESR10 started 4 January 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.8
Develop a pre-treatment strategy of risk assessment and benefits |
Task details: |
| Objectives: One of the most important aspects of personalized treatment in rectal cancer patients is including the patient’s preferences in the decision-making process. To achieve this, it is our aim to develop a pre-treatment nomogram predicting the risks and benefits based on baseline characteristics using the pooled data from the IWWD. Discrete choice experiments will be made, where this will provide us with excellent parallel insights for state preference modelling.
Expected Results: Novel nomograms for rectal cancer will be developed and validated to predict a variety of outcomes such as cancer prognosis, diagnosis and screening.
Planned secondments: To CCC for imaging studies, NGS and image-guided surgery (3 months, m12-14); To SIMFO to study CTC analysis by automated maintrac® microscopy (2 months, m22-23). |
ESR 11
| Reference: |
| ESR 11 |
Host: |
| UCAM (University of Camerino) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| UCAM (University of Camerino) |
Start: |
| ESR11 started 16 October 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.5
Nanoparticle encapsulation of immune reagents |
Task details: |
| Objectives: We will use FDA-approved PLGA to encapsulate anti-CTLA-4 and a PD-1-blocking antibody for injecting locally at the tumour site.
Expected Results: Bypass of the systemic administration route so that a) the tumour microenvironment is breached, and the stroma becomes less of a barrier, b) systemic, autoimmune and inflammatory side effects are reduced, c) lymphoid tissue downstream is also targeted because of lymphatic drainage from the site of injection and d) slow and local release at the tumour site.
Planned secondments: To AGH for collaborative work on nanoparticle targeting (3 months, m18-20); To PERC for miRNA studies (3 months, m30-32). |
ESR 12
| Reference: |
| ESR 12 |
Host: |
| PERC (Percuros BV) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
Start: |
| ESR12 started 1 February 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP3
The isolation and enumeration of exosomes as material to identify rectal cancer-specific miRNA biomarkers |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To develop and validate an aptamer-exosomes based ELISA sandwich assay for longitudinal monitoring of rectal cancer.
Expected Results: Distinct miRNA profiles obtained which may be used to identify different disease stages. New individual biomarkers discovered from the profiles to be added to the assays.
Planned secondments: To SAOP for large scale data analysis (3 months, m12-14); To KI to access their patient cohort (3 months, m26-28). |
ESR 13
| Reference: |
| ESR 13 |
Host: |
| SIMFO (Simfo GmbH) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
Start: |
| ESR13 started 1 November 2020 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.3
The development of a more robust CTC assay to provide dynamic information, as part of a watch and wait strategy monitoring disease status of patients |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To utilise wide field and fluorescent microscopy to identify rare cell types based upon maintrac® automation. This means more cell types besides CTCs for a more comprehensive analysis would be recognised. Our approach is also to use pattern recognition algorithms to identify the different cell types.
Expected Results: More rapid, sensitive and specific CTC assays that could detect cells/biomarkers in patients with metastatic disease.
Planned secondments: To VEJ for customization of workflows (6 months, m9-14); To LUMC to collaborate on a new program monitoring CTCs in rectal cancer patients (3 months, m18-20), to PROG for one month (m37) for specifically providing insight into non-academic activities including IPR, Business plan writing, Entrepreneurship, Valorisation, understanding development processes in Industry, Regulatory challenges, process design. |
ESR 14
| Reference: |
| ESR 14 |
Host: |
| PERCUROS (Percuros BV) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
Start: |
| ESR14 started 4 October 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.1
Process, analysis and in vivo visualization of SGM-101 and cRGD-ZW800 |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To validate the performance of SGM-101 and cRGD-ZW800 in rectal cancer.
Expected Results: Validated optical probes which can provide visualisation of activity under different camera systems including fluorescence endoscopy. Dual modality imaging and co-registration of the NIRF probe with 18FDG on a nanoparticle carrier.
Planned secondments: To STRAS to perform fluorescence experiments in pigs (6 months, m12-17); To LUMC to formulate the clinical training (3 months, m25-27). |
ESR 15
| Reference: |
| ESR 15 |
Host: |
| EMI (Edinburgh Molecular Imaging) |
PhD enrolment.: |
| LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) |
Start: |
| ESR15 started 2 January 2021 |
Duration: |
| 36 months |
Workpackage: |
| WP2.1
In vivo validation of EMI-137 and EMI-200 |
Task details: |
| Objectives: To validate the performance of NIRF-EMI-137 in rectal cancer as well as NIRF-EMI-200, which targets activated neutrophils.
Expected Results: Validated optical probes which can provide visualisation of activity under different camera systems including fluorescence endoscopy. Dual modality imaging and co-registration of the NIRF probe with 18FDG on a nanoparticle carrier.
Planned secondments: To LUMC for clinical trials (3 months, m12-14); To STRAS for data analysis (2 months, m22-23), to SVU for one month for clinical training for watch and wait rectal cancer patients (m37). |
/EU_Projects/CAST.nsf/xsp/.ibmmodres/domino/OpenAttachment/EU_Projects/CAST.nsf/494D8F28CA4D2D97C12584620023F93B/Content_E/
|