Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal disease because of a constant relapse. Among the salvage treatments, hypofractionnated stereotactic reirradiation (hFSRT) is one of the main options. Because irradiation induces a vaccine effect, a partner to this project (team of Elizabeth Moyal based in Toulouse) designed and developed a national PhaseI/II clinical trial randomizing hFSRT versus hFSRT associated with the anti-PDL1 Durvalumab. This trial includes a longitudinal follow-up of patients by multiparametric MR imaging.
The aim of this project is to find predictive imaging biomarkers able to i) discriminate between tumor progression and pseudoprogression and ii) to early detect local tumor relapse in the context of hSFRT and Durvalumab treatment combination. This project will imply to use the most advanced image analysis approaches to automatically extract imaging biomarkers from multiparametric MRI dataset. In the context of MRI and GBMs, the most promising image analyses techniques to quantify the evolution of the intratumor heterogeneity are the voxel-by- voxel, the cluster, the texture (Radiomics approaches) and the deep learning analyses.
Contract: Between 30 and 36 months (depending of experience), start April 1st 2019
PhD
The successful applicant will have a strong expertise in MR imaging and image analysis, Python and Matlab programming skills are key prerequisites. Knowledge in brain physiopathology will also be strongly valued. The candidate should be fluent in English (and preferably in French which will be the working language), have a good communication skills and organizational skills and a PhD in a relevant area. Candidates are expected to be highly motivated and to work independently with a strong work ethic.
Depending of experiences and according to Inserm Grid
The Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences mission is to understand the functioning of both central and peripheral nervous systems and to Propose innovative therapies for neurological, neuromuscular and psychiatric disorders.
Research at the GIN spans from brain development to adult brain plasticity, from the molecular to the most integrated levels, using cell lines, animal models and clinical trials. Currently studied pathologies of the adult nervous system include Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, epilepsy, vascular disorders, mood and anxiety disorders. Conversely, clinical questions (therapeutic stimulation of brain structures) are addressed by experimental approaches, using animal models, thus contributing to new conceptual findings. Neuroimaging, mainly based on NMR, in either animals or humans, also plays a role in this reciprocal interaction between basic and clinical research.
The GIN has more than 6.000 m2 dedicated to research in Neuroscience in close proximity to many high level research centers, offering a unique opportunity for the development of transdisciplinary projects. Nine research teams and three junior groups host 240 researchers, clinicians, students and technicians.
The GIN is equipped with state-of-the-art technology platforms such as MRI, EEG, TMS, a photonic imaging center (PIC-GIN), and electron microscopy (approved by GIS IBISA) providing the necessary resources for high standard and innovative research.
