Pavlides Group: Non-invasive tests for the prediction of clinical outcomes in people with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease

About the Research

The liver group at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR) is developing and validating non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) tests that can be used in the evaluation of people living with chronic liver disease. We are conducting a range of studies, from small proof-of-concept studies testing new techniques, to large multi-centre trials for biomarkers validation. Investigators from the group led the imaging work package in the LITMUS consortium (https://www.imi.europa.eu/projects-results/project-factsheets/litmus) where they conducted the LITMUS Imaging Study (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05479721). The LITMUS Imaging Study is the largest study of its kind globally, evaluating how magnetic resonance techniques can be used to assess people with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). During the LITMUS project the group also developed considerable expertise in performing systematic reviews and meta-analyses and the statistical methods that underpin these types of analyses. As part of this effort, we have compiled the largest ever dataset from individual participants with MASLD to include baseline liver biopsy and simple non-invasive tests based on serum measurements and elastography as well as outcome data on a significant proportion of cases.

This DPhil project will aim to expand on the work already completed within LITMUS to evaluate how biomarkers change over time and the relationship between this change and clinical outcomes. We will utilise a variety of datasets for this project, including existing local databases of MR images and linked clinical data, the LITMUS imaging database and individual participant data compiled for our previous systematic review. Additional data will be generated during the project or identified if needed from the local metabolic liver disease clinic, from the UK Biobank or from further literature reviews and collaborations. There will be opportunities to develop methods to automate the analyses of MR biomarkers or develop and test new biomarkers. There will also be opportunities to apply machine learning techniques to large datasets to assess if this improves performance over clinically established biomarkers.

The group has additional interests in quantitative assessment of liver histology slides with access to a library of digital histology images and linked clinical data. This resource could be further developed and utilised depending on the interests of the student.

Additional Supervisors:

1. Ladislav Valkovic 

Training Opportunities

• MR data acquisition including MRI and MR elastography
• Analysis of MR images for biomarkers of liver disease
• Advanced statistical methods for systematic review and meta-analysis and individual participant data meta-analysis

Students are encouraged to attend the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine DPhil Course, which takes place in the autumn of their first year. Running over several days, this course helps students to develop basic research and presentation skills, as well as introducing them to a wide range of scientific techniques and principles, ensuring that students have the opportunity to build a broad-based understanding of differing research methodologies.

Generic skills training is offered through the Medical Sciences Division's Skills Training Programme. This programme offers a comprehensive range of courses covering many important areas of researcher development: knowledge and intellectual abilities, personal effectiveness, research governance and organisation, and engagement, influence, and impact. Students are actively encouraged to take advantage of the training opportunities available to them.

As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to a wide range of seminars and training opportunities through the many research institutes and centres based in Oxford.

The Department has a successful mentoring scheme, open to graduate students, which provides an additional possible channel for personal and professional development outside the regular supervisory framework. We hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our efforts to build a happy and rewarding environment where all staff and students are supported to achieve their full potential.

Publications