Graeme Houston (Ninewells Hospital, Dundee) and Galil Medical
The incidence of renal cancer is rising with greatest rise in the small renal masses (<4cm). While surgical excision is the cornerstone of the treatment (partial or complete removal of kidney), this approach is associated both with an unacceptably high rate of benign histology (20%) and a significant complication rate (20-25%). Recent in situ ablation therapies such as cryotherapy (freezing) or radiofrequency energy (heating) induce cellular necrosis without operation and have been applied to solid tumours including kidney tumours. The main challenge, however, is the accuracy and quality assessment of the image guidance technique and thermal monitoring during treatment.
This joint SUPA/ SINAPSE studentship will address three outstanding research questions: what is the optimal image guidance and thermal monitoring protocol for in situ ablation of renal tumours and bone metastases at 3T MRI? What is the optimal imaging protocol for follow-up of such lesions at 3T
MRI? And: are there any outstanding safety issues for cryotherapy at 3T MRI?
The background of the suitable student would be medical physics or engineering with clinical imaging experience.
