BRAIN STAT: BRAIN Surgical Tissue for Advanced Tumour Models
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BRAIN STAT: BRAIN Surgical Tissue for Advanced Tumour Models to understand the molecular evolution of brain tumours, develop models of disease, identify biomarkers and evaluate novel therapeutics.
IRAS ID
268608
Contact name
Victoria Wykes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
10 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
In 2016 there were 5250 deaths from brain tumours in the UK i.e. 14 deaths per day. Malignant central nervous system tumours hold the poorest prognosis, and are responsible for the highest estimated number of years of potential life lost (mean 20 years) amongst all cancers. Over the last few decades brain tumour survival trends have remained mainly static in comparison to other cancers.
We aim to capture the clinical imaging and biological data from sufficient patients to represent the phenotypic diversity seen in real world clinical practice of brain tumours and establish advanced brain tumour tissue modes in the laboratory. In this study, surplus brain tissue removed at surgery that is not required for clinical diagnosis will be used to establish brain tumour models. Other samples such as blood will be taken from selected patients to characterise circulating cell populations and markers of disease termed biomarkers. All adult patients (>18 years) with a brain tumour presenting through our neuro-oncology multi-disciplinary meeting requiring a neurosurgical operation are eligible.
With improved understanding, we aim to identify novel biomarkers to allow earlier detection and diagnosis of brain tumours, and to better determine prognosis. Brain tissue models can act as a platform to help inform and test more “stratified” personal medical treatments. In this “bench to bedside” model, drugs can initially be tested in the laboratory before being used to direct patient’s clinical treatment. This research will provide greater understanding of the molecular evolution of brain cancers, and provide opportunities to allow earlier diagnosis, prognosis and subsequent intervention with the aim of improving survival coupled with a better quality of life.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EM/0211
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion