Advancing Early Diagnosis and Clinical Characterisation of Retinoblastoma through Innovative Imaging

Supervisors:

Dr Zhanhan Tu Zhanhan.tu@le.ac.uk
Dr Mervyn Thomas mt350@le.ac.uk

Project:

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most prevalent intraocular malignancy in children under five, comprising 6.1% of cancers in this age group, with an incidence of 1 in 13,844 live births in Europe. Survival rates vary by income level, ranging from 96-100% in high-income countries to 70% in low-income nations, with survivors facing challenges such as vision loss, deformities, and psychosocial issues. Early detection of tumours is critical for preserving vision and reducing metastatic risk in Rb. Children with Rb typically undergo frequent examinations under anaesthesia (EUA), with high-risk cases often undergoing at least 20 EUA sessions by age two.

We are offering an exciting PhD opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at improving early detection and management of Rb, the most common eye cancer in young children. This project will focus on developing and optimising advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrawide-field handheld optical coherence tomography (UWF-HHOCT) and OCTA, to enhance diagnosis and treatment strategies for Rb.
The PhD candidate will have the flexibility to drive the direction of the project based on their interests, in agreement with their supervisors. This role provides an excellent opportunity to work with leading researchers, clinicians and develop skills that can make a real impact on clinical outcomes and patient care in paediatric oncology and ophthalmology.

The successful candidate will join the Vision Sciences group within the School of Psychology and Vision Sciences at the University of Leicester. The clinical aspect of the group, the Ulverscroft Eye Unit, has an international reputation for research into paediatric ophthalmology and imaging of the eye. We have an excellent track-record of supporting students and enabling career progression within our unit supported by the wider university.
The PhD is suitable for graduates with a clinical medicine or clinical sciences background or related discipline. 

References: 

1. Soliman SE, VandenHoven C, MacKeen LD, Héon E, Gallie BL. Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Decisions in Retinoblastoma Management. Ophthalmology. 2017 Jun;124(6):859-872. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.01.052. Epub 2017 Mar 18. PMID: 28318638.
2. Skalet AH, Campbell JP, Jian Y. Ultrawide-field OCT for Retinoblastoma. Ophthalmology. 2022 Jun;129(6):718. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.11.012. PMID: 35598905; PMCID: PMC10303394. 
3. https://chect.org.uk/how-octs-can-impact-retinoblastoma-treatment-plans/