Matthew Burrage

Research:

The heart is a very powerful but fuel-dependent pump, consuming more energy than any other organ in the body. Intrinsic pathologies such as ischaemic heart disease, non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies, and valvular heart disease can cause the heart to weaken and even fail. In other instances, cancer-related therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be directly toxic to the heart (cardiotoxicity). We are learning more about the mechanisms behind why this occurs and are investigating new ways to detect early signs of cardiac injury.

Our group focuses on advanced cardiac tissue characterisation using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and assessment of cardiac energetics using MR spectroscopy (MRS). We are developing new imaging and blood biomarkers of cardiac decompensation and disease severity in these conditions using novel CMR and MRS techniques, paving the way to earlier detection and treatment.  

Background:

I am a Clinical Research Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), reading for a DPhil (PhD) in Medical Sciences at the University of Oxford, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, under the supervision of Prof Vanessa Ferreira, Prof Stefan Piechnik, and Prof Stefan Neubauer. My background is in clinical cardiology and non-invasive cardiac imaging. I obtained fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in 2017, specialising in Cardiology. My primary medical degree (MBBS, 2010) and Bachelor of Science (BSc, 2006) were both awarded with commendation for high academic achievement by the University of Queensland, Australia.