The Dormant Cancer Cell Life Cycle

Dormancy is an elusive and deadly component of cancers. Rare, therapy resistant cells can lay dormant in distant organs, particularly the skeleton, for decades and when reactivated are responsible for disease relapse and metastatic disease. Eradicating rare dormant cancer cells is key to curing disseminated cancers and provides a unique and unrealised opportunity.

Using bespoke imaging in mouse models and state-of-the-art single cell genomic and transcriptomic technologies, my lab is defining the cellular and molecular architecture responsible for retaining cancer cells in a dormant state and controlling their reactivation. Using the resulting higher-order cellular and molecular map of dormant cells and the ecosystem in which they reside, we aim to predict which individuals will relapse, and to develop new treatments. 

How to Apply

Express your interest in this project by emailing Professor Peter Croucher. Include a copy of your CV and your academic transcript(s).