The effects of exercise training on pancreatic cancer outcomes

Summary

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive cancer with poor survival outcomes. Incidence and mortality rates remain high, with PC projected to surpass breast cancer as the third leading cause of cancer death in Europe.

Within Northern Ireland, the incidence of PC has been increasing steadily and between 2019-2023 there were 1,500 new cases and 1,300 deaths, with 5-year survival rates of 6%.

The standard care therapy involves surgery and chemotherapy but these are associated with a host of side effects and increased risk of comorbidities such as sarcopenia, which involves loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function and further reduces health-related quality of life. As a collective, this scenario greatly impacts disease management and survival.

Previous work from this team has shown that exercise training, delivered as surgical rehabilitation and alongside chemotherapy, can alleviate treatment burden and improve quality of life. However, evidence relating exercise to PC progression remains limited.

Moreover, the awareness of the benefits of exercise among those living with PC is low and the number of patients being offered the opportunity to take part in local clinical exercise trials is also low despite the potential benefits.

Developing new clinical exercise interventions in PC has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce treatment-related complications, and due to its cost effectiveness, enhance healthcare efficiency.

This project aims to undertake a series of studies generating preliminary evidence for exercise as an effective prehabilitation strategy during pre-surgical treatment (neoadjuvant therapy) for PC.

This project will involve a systematic review, a co-design phase, followed by a feasibility study to determine important design characteristics for a scaled, larger study in future (i.e. intervention acceptability, safety, recruitment rates, side effects, treatment tolerance).

The project will provide experience in clinical trial management, mixed-methods research and laboratory techniques and would suit graduates from health-related disciplines.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.