The physics of cancer: fundamental studies of cancer cells and spheroids
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
This research project will exploit recent advances in infrared (IR) analysis techniques developed by Prof. Weightman's research group with support from the EPSRC and Cancer Research UK (CRUK). This programme began in June 2013 with a Critical Mass Award (EP/K023349/1, EP/K022830/1, EP/K023311/X, EP/K023373/1) that funded the development of a novel scanning near field microscope scope (SNOM) on the free electron laser at Daresbury. This yields chemical images with a higher spatial resolution than more traditional diffraction limited IR techniques [1]. An award from CRUK made it possible to replace the free electron laser with a recently developed quantum cascade laser (QCL). This made it possible to apply the SNOM technique to other cancers.
The student will apply the QCL-SNOM and a machine learning algorithm developed by the physics group [2,3] to the study of cancers of the eye. This is a collaboration with Prof. Coupland's group who are experts in the study of eye cancers. Dominic will be imaging "cancer spheroids" and eye cancer cell lines using the SNOM and Fourier Transform IR techniques. The SNOM is ideally suited to such studies due to the small size the cells and the need to obtain images with high spatial resolution. The primary objective is to provide an early diagnosis of cancers of the eye and to explore whether it is possible to determine which cancers will spread to the liver. These are important clinical priorities.
A long-term aim of the wider research programme is to develop an instrument for use in diagnosis. This aspect of the programme is supported by an EPSRC IAA Exploration Award and is under consideration for further funding by the University of Liverpool Enterprise Investment Fund.
References
1 D.E. Halliwell et. al. Nature Scientific Reports, 6 29494 (2016).
2 J. Ingham et. al. Infrared Physics and Technology 102 (2019) 103007
3 James Ingham, Steve Barrett and Peter Weightman GB Patent Application Number: 1806002.0, Filed: 11 Apr 2018 'Methods of spectroscopic analysis' WIPO Patent Application: PCT/GB2019/050998, Filed: 5 Apr 2019
This programme fits into the EPSRC's priorities and strategies set out in "Healthy Nation".
In particular: "H3: Optimise diagnosis and treatment."
"Innovative sensing systems or analytical technologies that could transform prediction, diagnosis and monitoring for health."
"Design, development, evaluation and production of cost-effective, reliable and effective medical devices."
"Novel computational and mathematical techniques for prediction, analysis and modelling in healthcare."
"Novel imaging technologies for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic applications."
https://epsrc.ukri.org/about/plans/deliveryplan/prosperityoutcomes/health/
Further Information from Peter Weightman (peterw@liverpool.ac.uk; 0151 794 3871)
The student will apply the QCL-SNOM and a machine learning algorithm developed by the physics group [2,3] to the study of cancers of the eye. This is a collaboration with Prof. Coupland's group who are experts in the study of eye cancers. Dominic will be imaging "cancer spheroids" and eye cancer cell lines using the SNOM and Fourier Transform IR techniques. The SNOM is ideally suited to such studies due to the small size the cells and the need to obtain images with high spatial resolution. The primary objective is to provide an early diagnosis of cancers of the eye and to explore whether it is possible to determine which cancers will spread to the liver. These are important clinical priorities.
A long-term aim of the wider research programme is to develop an instrument for use in diagnosis. This aspect of the programme is supported by an EPSRC IAA Exploration Award and is under consideration for further funding by the University of Liverpool Enterprise Investment Fund.
References
1 D.E. Halliwell et. al. Nature Scientific Reports, 6 29494 (2016).
2 J. Ingham et. al. Infrared Physics and Technology 102 (2019) 103007
3 James Ingham, Steve Barrett and Peter Weightman GB Patent Application Number: 1806002.0, Filed: 11 Apr 2018 'Methods of spectroscopic analysis' WIPO Patent Application: PCT/GB2019/050998, Filed: 5 Apr 2019
This programme fits into the EPSRC's priorities and strategies set out in "Healthy Nation".
In particular: "H3: Optimise diagnosis and treatment."
"Innovative sensing systems or analytical technologies that could transform prediction, diagnosis and monitoring for health."
"Design, development, evaluation and production of cost-effective, reliable and effective medical devices."
"Novel computational and mathematical techniques for prediction, analysis and modelling in healthcare."
"Novel imaging technologies for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic applications."
https://epsrc.ukri.org/about/plans/deliveryplan/prosperityoutcomes/health/
Further Information from Peter Weightman (peterw@liverpool.ac.uk; 0151 794 3871)
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Peter Weightman (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Dominic Von Goetz (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513271/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2270630 | Studentship | EP/R513271/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/03/2023 | Dominic Von Goetz |