To celebrate World Cancer Research Day on Friday 24th September, we were delighted to announce over a quarter of a million-euro investment in two new PhD Scholarships; Musgrave PhD Scholarship and Breakthrough Cancer Research PhD Scholarship.
As the funders of much of the world-class, cutting-edge cancer research in Ireland, we are thrilled that there is a day dedicated to acknowledging the importance of research in the fight against cancer.
MEET OUR NEW SCHOLARS
Patricia Flynn, based in University College Cork, was awarded the 2021 Musgrave PhD Scholarship, in association with Breakthrough Cancer Research.
Patricia's research will focus on finding a personalised treatment for glioblastoma, the most frequently diagnosed brain tumour, which only has a 5% survival rate after 5 years. She will focus on the relationship between glioblastoma and retinoic acid, which can either promote or stop cancer growth. Her aim is to identify the pathways that suppress the growth of glioblastoma and prevent its reoccurrence.
"There are too many question marks around the treatment of glioblastoma. I want to take away some of the question marks and make full stops." Patricia Flynn
Maitiú Ó Murchú, based in Trinity College Dublin, has been awarded theBreakthrough Cancer Research PhD Scholarship2021 for new research into oesophageal cancer, which is a cancer of the food pipe. Sadly, only 20% of the 450 people currently diagnosed with this disease annually in Ireland are alive after 5 years.
Maitiú’s research will investigate why radiation has no effect on reducing the size of a tumour before surgery for 70% of patients. He will examine if this is because there is a lack of oxygen in the tumour, and if increasing oxygen levels by injecting Oxygel, an oxygen-carrying gel into the tumour, can cause the tumour to shrink. This could ultimately make oesophageal cancer treatment more successful.
This oesophageal project will begin by growing oesophageal cancer cells which are resistant to radiation in the laboratory. These radiation resistant cells will then be treated with the oxygen-carrying component of the new gel, Oxygel. These experiments will allow Maitiú to preliminarily assess the action of Oxygel on these cells, providing information regarding the following: How does Oxygel affect the metabolism and survival of these cancer cells? How long should we treat the cells with Oxygel to see these effects? What doses of Oxygel are most optimal for these cells? Does Oxygel have inherent anti-cancer properties?
Each year, over 30,000 people die in Ireland, with approximately a third of deaths caused by cancer. Many terminally ill people find themselves in Irish hospitals being treated for the biological aspects of their illness, with less emphasis being placed on their social, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.
PhD scholar Lucy Hayden, based in the School of Psychology, Dublin City University, wishes to change this. Lucy's research, in conjunction with Breakthrough Cancer Research and the Irish Research Council, will examine the psychological, social and spiritual concerns of people with terminal cancer, but she needs your help.
Lucy is looking for people living with advanced cancer who would be willing to take part in her research. She wishes to learn from first-hand experiences in order to come up with new ways and guidelines to care and support those with advanced cancer in the future.
Interested in participating but wondering what is involved? You will be asked to take part in a conversational interview about your experience of living with advanced cancer. It will take approximately 60 - 90 minutes. Interviews will be conducted in a flexible manner (in-person or by phone/video call) and will be audio recorded only.
For more information or to register for participation, please contact lucy.haydensmyth8@mail.dcu.ie
To all of those who took part in our 100KM in August Challenge, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. As a result of your amazing running, walking and the support shown by your friends and family, a phenomenal figure of over €60,000 was raised to fund cancer research and help Make More Survivors.
Keep an eye out for our November Challenge launching soon. We hope you will sign up to join Team Breakthrough and help us in our mission to achieve 100% Survival for 100% of Cancers.
On Friday 17th September we saw 35 teams tee off for the 11th Annual Lee Valley Golf Classic. This year, thanks to our title sponsors; the River Lee Hotel and Johnson & Perrott Peugeot, our tee box and raffle sponsors and all those teams who took part, we raised over €10,000 for cancer research.
We hope to see new and existing golf enthusiasts out on the green again next year!
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