Katie Gristwood

• CDT Doctoral Researcher Supervisor: James Knight
• Email: K.Gristwood2@newcastle.ac.uk
• Project Title: Molecular cancer therapeutics activated by radioisotope-generated Cerenkov radiation

Institution: Newcastle University

Project Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly efficacious therapy for certain cancers. A photosensitive compound is administered to the patient and subsequently activated by an external source of light, triggering photochemical reactions which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). This leads to the selective death of cancer cells, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. As PDT requires an external light source this limits its use to superficial cancers, e.g. skin; however using light which can be created inside the body, such as cerenkov radiation (CR) produced by some medical radioisotopes, may overcome this barrier. This project aims to create novel photoactivatable compounds which can be activated by CR, using both nanomaterials and nanomachines. Their capacity to produce cytotoxic ROS will be analysed, as well as their therapeutic effect in a preclinical setting.  

Interesting Fact: I’m a huge heavy metal fan but also love to crochet!

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/katie-gristwood-449652191