PhD Study : Establishing automated objective outcome measures for breast reconstruction

  • Funded PhD Opportunity
  • This opportunity is now closed.
  • Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
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Summary

Summary

This research project aims to develop and test novel, automated approaches to perform objective outcome measures of breast reconstructive surgery. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional medical images of participants will be captured as part of their routine clinical care. The acquired three-dimensional images will be used in the development and testing of software which will produce objective indices of breast symmetry. In order to test the validity of a range of outcome measures the objective outcome determined by the algorithms will be compared to a subjective panel assessment approach using the two-dimensional photographs.

Background

Most breast cancer patients require surgery to remove the tumour and restore or enhance breast aesthetics. Aesthetics refers to physical attributes of the breast such as symmetry, projection and proportion which determine the evaluation of overall cosmetic appearance [1]. Subjective methods used for the cosmetic evaluation of breast surgery include self-assessment by the patient and assessment by a single observer or panel of observers. However, a major drawback of this approach is the very low agreement between patients and clinicians when scoring the cosmetic outcome where scores reported by patients have been shown to be consistently more positive than scores reported by clinicians.

Effective evaluation of the cosmetic outcome of breast reconstruction surgery requires a standardised method of three-dimensional data capture and an objective and consistent processing technique to provide measures of breast aesthetics. Three-dimensional surface imaging has gained credibility in the research environment [2-3] and has the potential to provide efficient, accurate and repeatable objective outcome measures.

Research Objectives

o Perform a review of current 3D software tools and systems.
o Identify specific clinical user needs and appropriate outcome measures.
o Develop automated algorithms and software that will enable clinicians to objectively assess breast reconstruction and output a range of measures from 3D surface images.
o Test the validity of a range of outcome measures of breast reconstruction as compared to the current gold standard of panel assessment of 2D patient photographs.
o To recommend a range of automated outcome measures in the form of an outcome index.

Collaboration

The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Mr Stuart McIntosh, a consultant surgeon at Belfast City Hospital who will provide the necessary clinical input to the project and will also act as an external supervisor. A 3dMD surface imaging system is available in the hospital for the capture of the surface image data. In addition, the project has close links to the H2020 funded DESIREE project which aims to develop a Decision Support and Information Management System for Breast Cancer.

References

1. MS Kim, JC Sbalchiero, GP Reece, MJ Miller, EK Beahm, and MK Markey, “Assessment of breast aesthetics.,” Plast.Reconstr.Surg., vol.121, no.4, p.186e–94e, 2008.
2. K. Aldridge, SA Boyadjiev, GT Capone, VB DeLeon, and JT Richtsmeier, “Precision and error of three-dimensional phenotypic measures acquired from 3dMD photogrammetric images,” Am.J.Med.Genet. PartA, vol.138A, no.3, pp.247–253, 2005.
3. T. Catherwood, E. McCaughan, E. Greer, RAJ Spence, SA McIntosh, and RJ Winder, “Validation of a passive stereophotogrammetry system for imaging of the breast: A geometric analysis,” Med.Eng.Phys., vol.33, no.8, pp900–905, 2011.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 23 March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

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