Ewch i’r prif gynnwys

Dr Nicholas Courtier

Uwch-Ddarlithydd: Radiotherapi

Ysgol y Gwyddorau Gofal Iechyd

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Research Interests

My research centres on the toxicities associated with radiotherapy treatment. A specific focus is the neuro-behavioural symptoms, such as fatigue, depression and cognitive dysfunction, as experienced by patients with early breast cancer. This work has followed a staged approach that has considered symptom aetiology, prediction and ultimately amelioration. The research methods used to reflect these aims have moved from quantitative observational techniques to experimental testing.

A further research activity aims to improve the quality of survivorship for teenagers and young adults after treatment for cancer. The broad aim is to record appropriate patient-reported outcomes and experiences with the potential to evaluate current teenage care pathways and identify models of aftercare that support normative psycho-social functioning.

Cyhoeddiad

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2016

2015

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Articles

Conferences

Monographs

Thesis

Ymchwil

My PhD work was looking at aetiological mechanisms that underlie fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy, as a precursor to developing a model that predicts those most at risk from this debilitating symptom. Investigations centred on a postulated inflammatory response via the induction and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the biochemical level and associated adaptations at the behavioural level.

I am currently applying for funding to conduct a Phase II trial with the aim of optimising the delivery of a psychological intervention to attenuate fatigue.

Grant funding

  • Society & College of Radiographers Project Grant. Acute fatigue in a breast radiotherapy cohort and its relationship to irradiated volumes, body mass index and biological factors: towards a predictive model. ( £5000) (May 2007)
  • Research Capacity Building Collaboration Wales PhD studentship. Fatigue during radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer and its relationship to irradiated volumes, IL-6sR and anxiety and depression: towards a prognostic model ( £60, 000 over 3 years) (June 2006)

Addysgu

I am an experienced Senior Lecturer in radiotherapy & oncology and am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Teaching expertise at undergraduate and postgraduate levels includes radiotherapy treatment planning, lung and breast cancer and research methods. I teach on a range of programmes within, and external to, Cardiff University School of Healthcare Sciences. Between 2012 and 2018 I was part of a small teaching team that delivered the University of Malta pre-registration radiotherapy programme.

I supervise a wide range of research projects with undergraduate and taught and research postgraduate students. I have experience of doctoral examination in the UK and overseas.

Bywgraffiad

I graduated in 2006 from Cardiff University with first class honours in Radiotherapy and Oncology. I continued my studies at the School of Healthcare Studies, Cardiff University, for a PhD looking at radiotherapy-related fatigue (2006$acirc;  2010). During this time I worked clinically one-day-a-week in clinical practice.

From 2010 I have been employed by the department of Radiography as a research assistant. My current research extends of my doctoral work , considering the amelioration of radiotherapy-related fatigue and adverse psychosocial outcomes associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Anrhydeddau a dyfarniadau

  • Associate Editor of Radiography 2019
  • Future Leaders in Cancer Research Academy 2018
  • Enriching Student Life Award nominated 2018
  • Wales Radiography Team of the Year 2016
  • Fellow of Higher Education Academy 2013
  • Research Capacity Building Collaboration PhD Fellowship 2006
  • BSc Radiotherapy & Oncology 1st class Honours

Aelodaethau proffesiynol

  • Society and College of radiographers (SCoR) (since 2006)
  • Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) (since 2006)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA (since 2013)
  • Breast Radiotherapy Interest Group (BRIG) (since 2011)

Pwyllgorau ac adolygu

Associate Editor of Radiography journal

Grant reviewer for:

  • College of Radiographers Industrial Partnership Scheme (2011–present)
  • College of Radiographers PhD Fellowship (2017–present)
  • American Society of Radiologic Technologists Foundation CoR International Collaborative Clinical Research Grant 2019

Journal reviewer for:

  • Supportive Care in Cancer
  • International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
  • Radiotherapy in Practice
  • Psycho-Oncology

Member of

  • Member of Welsh Cancer Centre Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Group (2019–present)
  • College of Radiographers Research Committee (2011–2016)
  • Trial Management Group for the Phase I-II Isotoxic Accelerated Radiotherapy (ISTART) Trial (2010–2018)
  • Steering Group for Tenovus Cancer Callback Project (2012–2015)
  • Breast Radiotherapy Interest Group (BRIG) (2011–present)

Meysydd goruchwyliaeth

I have supervised five PhD students to successful completion. I am currently supervising three PhD students in the areas of radiotherapy, radiation dose optimisation and radiography.

I am interested in supervising students in the areas of:

  • Radiotherapy theory and practice
  • Management of toxicity related to radiotherapy treatment
  • Experience of cancer treatment
  • Inequalities in access to, experience of, and outcomes from cancer care
  • Radiography  

Current and most recent doctoral students:

‘The extent and experience of altered taste during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer’

‘Rural radiography practice: exploration of experiences of radiographers in Ghana’

'Couples' experiences of prostate cacer tretament in Malta: a descriptive qualitative study'

'Developing an evidence-based approach to neonatal and paediatric radiation dose optimisation methods'

‘Role extension opportunities in diagnostic radiography in Ghana and potential to impact on patient care’

‘Global research on the impact of dermatological disease (GRIDD): development and validation of a patient-centred impact measure for adults with skin conditions’