Connectome in Paediatric Brain Tumour Population
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in children with brain tumours. Investigation of the impact of paediatric brain tumours and their treatment on the connectome (map of neural connections) of the developing brain
IRAS ID
251227
Contact name
Amos Burke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This pilot study aims to determine whether it is possible to complete fMRI scans in children with brain tumours during treatment and during rehabilitation during clinically relevant scheduled MRI appointments. Secondarily the study will explore whether the data obtained can be used to generate hypotheses about brain injury and recovery from tumour and its treatment.
This study aims to investigate how having a brain tumour in childhood and the subsequent treatment needed (surgery and radiotherapy) may affect the connectome (the map of neural connections within the brain). Brain and CNS tumours are the most common form of solid malignancy in childhood. More patients are surviving to adulthood but with a significant proportion developing functional difficulties which can affect academic achievement, career prospects and quality of life.
This study will recruit patients aged between 8 and 16 who are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour or have previously bbeen treated for a brain tumour and consent these patients to a resting state MRI where possible pre-surgery, post-surgery and at intervals of 3-12 months. An MRI will be performed as an extension of the MRI scans already performed for clinical purposes so will involve patients remaining in the MRI scanner for an additional period of time (up to 15 minutes beyond the routine time of approx 30 mins i.e. total scan time approx 45 mins). Only patients who are clinically stable and who would be able to tolerate the scan without general anaesthetic will be recruited. The study will take place at a CUH where the patients would be attending for follow up scans and appointments. MRI data would be analysed along with the clinical data extracted from medical records.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0292
Date of REC Opinion
8 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion