Characterisation of microenvironment at the brain tumour margin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Histological and molecular characterisation of the hypoxic and inflammatory microenvironment at the brain tumour invasive margin
IRAS ID
305530
Contact name
Vinton WT Cheng
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Brain cancer is a devastating condition that causes disability and, frequently, death. Although treatment for brain cancer has improved, outcomes for most sufferers remain poor. We know that the tissue surrounding cancer is often not normal. These abnormal changes help cancer to evade our immune system and resist anti-cancer treatment. Therefore, we want to study these changes in brain cancer. We will use tissue previously taken from patients with primary and secondary brain tumours. In these tissues, we will look for changes linked to low oxygen and inflammation. Improving our understanding of the abnormal brain cancer environment will allow us to devise new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Summary of Results
Brain cancers, in particular the most aggressive form called glioblastoma, carry a poor prognosis. This study examined whether cancerous brain tumours have different characteristics in the area of the brain around the tumour compared to non-cancerous brain tumours. We found that the cells around the brain, called microglia and astrocytes, behave differently when exposed to cancer cells.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
21/WS/0144
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion