MB-PhD Summer Placement Project Outline

Obesity is associated with increased risk of at least 13 adult cancer types and is the second most common cause of cancer (after tobacco) in many populations. Uncertainty about the extent to which intentional weight loss leads to reduced cancer risk represents a gap in knowledge. Evidence from bariatric surgery studies shows that sustained weight reduction of 20% to 30% in individuals with severe obesity is associated with reduced risk of obesity-related cancers over 10 years. However, in terms of population health, this is not a viable cancer prevention strategy.   

Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), known to be effective anti-diabetes drugs, have been shown in randomized trials to cause substantial weight loss (in the order of 15%) in obese individuals with or without diabetes. This is a rapidly evolving field, which has revolutionized the modern management of obesity. Much clinical experience has been with semaglutide (a GLP-1RA) and tirzepatide (a dual agonist of the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor), but newer drugs in the class are being developed.   

We are developing a suite of PhDs in this field including evaluating proof of principle whether effects are through or independent of weight reduction pathways. 

The summer placement student will read about this research topic and interact with students already working in this space. 

Key activities

During the summer replacement, student will do the following activities: 

• Directed reading on this topic. 

• Attend/ represent at journal club. 

• Attend lab meeting. 

• Having discussions with team leads and potential future supervisors. 

• Have opportunities to list to subject-relevant podcasts on this research subject. 

Supervisor style

The Renehan research group is based at the Christie Hospital and MCRC Building. There are x4 PhD students; x2 research associates, x1 post-doc statistician, and x1 international visiting post-doc. Projects are framed within epidemiology, data health science and advanced statistical methodologies.  

Lead supervisor meetings are weekly in the first 6 months; fortnightly thereafter. There are weekly virtual journal clubs and monthly lab meetings, where students present their work and bring new ideas. All PhD studentships include multi-disciplinary inputs with quarterly face-to-face supervisor meetings. As the student matures, he/she is encouraged to develop autonomy & independence.  

The ‘lab’ culture is one of integration, continuity, synergism, cross-covering, and collaboration.