Exploring combinations of cancer vaccines with chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors

This PhD project at the University of Oxford, within the Nuffield Department of Medicine, investigates the synergistic potential of cancer vaccines when combined with chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer vaccines, particularly those based on viral vectors such as ChAdOx1 and MVA targeting MAGE-type antigens, are being developed in the lab and some are already in clinical development. The research aims to address a critical question in cancer immunotherapy: how does concurrent chemotherapy affect the efficacy of vaccination? While conventional wisdom suggests that anti-proliferative drugs may impair vaccine immunogenicity by inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, recent findings from the lab indicate that chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, when administered alongside the vaccine, actually enhances immunogenicity by promoting the induction of stem-like T cells expressing TCF1. The project will systematically explore the effects of various chemotherapy regimens commonly used in clinical practice on vaccine immunogenicity and anti-tumor efficacy, using preclinical mouse tumor models. Different schedules will be compared, including chemotherapy administered before, together with, or after vaccination. Additionally, the study will model the impact of corticosteroids, which are often used with chemotherapy to reduce toxicity. An analytic and mechanistic approach will be employed to understand the underlying biological effects observed in these combinations. This research is expected to inform future clinical development of cancer vaccines in combination with chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, potentially improving outcomes for cancer patients. The project is funded by Ludwig studentships, which provide four years of support including a tax-free stipend (£23,000 per annum) and coverage of university fees at both home and international rates. Applicants must apply through the University of Oxford application system for a DPhil in Clinical Medicine, submitting a personal statement (maximum 500 words) and ensuring referees are prepared to submit references by the deadline. No research proposal is required, but candidates may apply for up to two Ludwig projects, listing their preferred titles. It is recommended to contact the supervisor, Professor B Van den Eynde, to discuss the project and assess fit for the lab. The application deadline is April 9, 2026. For further information, visit the official course page or the FindAPhD listing. Project-specific enquiries can be directed to [email protected], and administrative questions to [email protected].