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The project
Effective treatment of tumors metastasizing to the peritoneal cavity is a major challenge. Surgery followed by Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) are applied to suppress macroscopic and microscopic peritoneal metastases, respectively, of cancers of different origins. During HIPEC a chemotherapy solution heated to 40-43°C is circulated through the peritoneum for 30 to 90 minutes. The elevated temperatures during HIPEC sensitize chemotherapy and thus improve the likelihood of tumour control. There is presently discussion on the optimal HIPEC protocol for peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin.
The four year multidisciplinary research project “Improving therapeutic effectiveness and reducing toxicity of HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastases (PMCRC) by applying “step-up” heating” is supported by a grant of the Dutch Cancer Society KWF and aims to optimize the clinical effectiveness of the HIPEC procedure by utilizing novel dynamic HIPEC protocols with sequential variation in dose, temperature level and duration of exposure to chemotherapy in in vitro, organoid, and in vivo tumor models. Finally clinical efficacy will be evaluated in a phase I clinical study. Goal is to establish HIPEC strategies resulting in more effective tumor eradication without unacceptable local and systemic side effects.
Two PhD positions are part of the project, both at the department of Radiation Oncology of the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam.
One PhD student has been hired to work at determining efficacy of sequential low/high dose, low/high temperature 90 minute “step-up” heating of mitomycin-C and platinum-based HIPEC drugs in organoid models of normal colorectal tissue and of relevant colorectal tumors, and in in vivo tumor models.
We now look for a second PhD student with a physics background who will process and analyze the data provided by the first PhD student with a background in biology for the different sequential low/high dose, low/high temperature 90 minute “step-up” heating protocols of mitomycin-C and platinum-based HIPEC applied in the different tumor models and in human clinical treatments.
A team of physicists, biologists and clinicians will advise on the work of both students.
About your role
The PhD student with a physics background will process and analyze biological and clinical HIPEC data (provided by another PhD student with a background in biology) in sophisticated mathematical models developed in an earlier project capable of integrating data on flow, temperature, chemotherapy concentration, temperature dependence of the effect of chemotherapy, temperature dependence of the penetration of chemotherapy into tissue for the different sequential low/high dose, low/high temperature 90 minute “step-up” heating protocols of mitomycin-C and platinum-based HIPEC applied in the different tumor models and in human clinical treatments.
Work will involve development, adaptation and application of advanced computer models simulating various aspects of the HIPEC procedure, which is novel in the field.
Fixed-term contract: 12 months with the intention to be extended.
Our offer
We offer ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect.
For an overview of all our other terms of employment, Read all working agreements at Amsterdam UMC
The candidate will work at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Amsterdam University Medical centers, location AMC. The candidate will collaborate with biologists, physicists and clinicians working on HIPEC research at both locations of Amsterdam UMC.
The Amsterdam UMC and the PI’s for this project are widely acknowledged as leading experts in the field of clinical, pre-clinical and technical research on hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, as well as in the field of HIPEC. Colorectal cancer research is thriving at Amsterdam UMC and preclinical research results are readily translated into clinical practice.
Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. This means that we hope that everyone feels welcome in our organization and that we strive to offer equal opportunities to everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy. Check out our approach to diversity and inclusion.
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