(MCRC Clinical) Early detection and therapeutic interception of KRAS-mutant pre-cancerous lung lesions

About the project

About the Project Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, largely because many patients are diagnosed after the disease has already become advanced and difficult to treat. The most common type, non-small cell lung cancer, is frequently driven by mutations in a gene called KRAS. Thesemutations occur early, before a tumour has fully developed, creating an opportunity to detect and treat the disease before it becomes life-threatening. This project aims to improve both the early detection and early treatment of KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Current screening methods, such as CT scans, can reduce deaths but have limitations, including false-positive results and radiation exposure. Blood tests to detect tumour DNA are a promising alternative, but very early lung lesions may release only tiny amounts, suggesting thatalternative testing methods are needed. We will investigate whether proteins released by early KRAS-mutant cells can provide a more sensitive blood-based test. We will also test new drugs called RAS(ON) inhibitors, which block the signals that allow KRAS-mutant cells to survive and proliferate. Our early laboratory results suggest that these drugs may be particularly effective against newly emerging KRAS-mutant lung cells. Using mouse models that develop early KRAS-driven lung lesions, we will test whether these drugs can prevent or delay tumour formation. In the long term, this work could support a new prevention strategy: finding small high-risk lung lesions through a non-invasive multi-detecting blood test and treating them before they progress to invasive cancer. Eligibility You must be a post-registration clinician and therefore must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent medical degree and ideally have a specialist post in a related subject, to apply for our Clinical Research Training Fellowships. It is generally expected that CRTFs will return to a training programme in the UK upon completion of their research degree. International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University's Country Specific information page. Before you Apply Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How to Apply Apply directly via this link: https://tinyurl.com/577zjazd or on the online application portal, select MCRC PhD Programme as the programme of study. You may only apply for one project within this scheme. Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Supporting Statement Academic Certificates and Transcripts Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Further details are available on our website: CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester Application Timeline Applications open: Monday, 5 October 2026 Application deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026 Interview date: Week commencing 11 January 2027 Start date: September 2027 Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the University’s activities. The full statement can be found here: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/getting-started/equality-diversity-inclusion/”

Research areas