Physics Department, Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology and
Division of Medical Imaging & Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine
Investigating the impact of Monte-Carlo based radiotherapy treatment planning on clinical outcome
Stipend: £12,600 pa
Location:
Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology (CCO), Wirral, UK and the University of Liverpool (UoL), UK
A PhD studentship, fully funded for 3 years by the Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust (CCRT), is available now. Tuition fees (at the EU/UK level) and a tax-free annual bursary of £12,600 will be provided. The project will be carried out primarily in the Physics Department, Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology, Bebington CH63 4JY, UK.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Alan Nahum (CCO) and Dr Colin Baker (UoL).
Project summary:
Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation is poised to replace analytical methods for computing dose distributions in patients undergoing radiotherapy due to its proven superiority in dealing with the effect of heterogeneities. The focus of this project is on estimating the clinical impact of the use of MC. This will involve evaluating differences in absolute 3D radiation dose distributions for target volumes and critical organs for patients undergoing curative radiotherapy for head & neck, lung, prostate and breast cancer. Evaluation in terms of mathematical models of Tumour Control Probability (TCP) and Normal-Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) will be applied. A further aspect will be the determination of the minimum number of MC histories (and therefore the minimum calculation time) necessary in terms of acceptable uncertainties in TCP and NTCP estimation rather than in the conventional uncertainties in dose determination.
Entry requirements:
The project requires a good understanding of radiation physics, significant computer literacy and keen mathematical skills. Experience in Radiotherapy Physics and/or Monte Carlo techniques would be an advantage.
Applicants should have a background in physical sciences and have gained a minimum of a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent from a non-UK university).
Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made by phone or email to Prof. Nahum or Dr Baker:
alan.nahum@ccotrust.nhs.uk
+44 (0)151 334 1155 ext. 4169
Secretary Sue Nixon: +44 (0) 151 482 7860
colin.baker@liverpool.ac.uk
+44 (0)151 794 5754
Applications should be made online at: http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/
Closing Date: 18 April 2008
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