Rahmaneh Moosavi

MPhil Medical Studies

I previously studied genetics at undergraduate level and then did my master’s degree in cellular pathology which included a thesis that focused on cancer. This course really increased my interest in the subject. In particular, I noted that although there have been vast increases in knowledge of the disease and treatment has improved radically, many types of cancer still do not have promising treatments with no side effects. Bearing in mind that these advances occurred through scientific research I was very keen to be a part of this and to have my own impact, no matter how small. This led me to undertake the MPhil project at the University of Exeter, which has only been possible thanks to your generous support.

Project aims:

Secondary brain tumours i.e. brain metastases, are formed when cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain and they have a significant impact on sufferers, with impaired quality of life and an average survival of only 2.3 - 13.5 months after diagnosis. Breast cancer and lung cancer are the two most common solid tumours to cause brain metastases.

This research project aims to examine the mechanisms by which circulating primary breast cancer cells adhere to, and pass through, the walls of the blood vessels in the brain (blood brain barrier) in order to form a metastatic growth. This involves the tumour cells attaching to the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels.

Research progression and achievement:

Since commencing the MPhil in April 2021 I have been working on a setting up a lab-based system to assess the attachment of specific breast cancer cells to endothelial cell lines. As the study needs specific techniques and equipment, I have been focussing on learning those techniques and improving my researching skills. These include culturing brain endothelial cells and cancer cells and setting up specific assays and learning how to use the required equipment and the analysis techniques. Also, I have been attending different seminars and webinars related to my research area which would be beneficial to stay updated and receive new ideas towards the project.

The next step is to dig deeper to assess any change in specific surface proteins and their expression within both cancer and normal cells.

I would like to thank all those at FORCE again for their support which enables me to afford the laboratory consumables for the project.

I look forward to keeping you updated about my research progress.

Best regards,

Rahmaneh