Characterising progressing human gliomas
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of the genetic, epigenetic, metabolic and microenvironmental changes underlying progression of human adult gliomas
IRAS ID
244538
Contact name
Federico Roncaroli
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Gliomas are the most common type of brain cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and death in patients under 50. Gliomas diffusely invade the and cannot be eradicated with surgery. Extensive invasion also makes them difficult to treat with radio-chemotherapy. Gliomas typically progress even after surgery and became incurable but the timescale of transformation is unpredictable and the mechanism making them malignant poorly understood. There is growing effort to develop tests on markers the gliomas spread throughout the blood (biomarkers) that can help diagnose gliomas and predict their progression. Though very promising, current tests are still too expensive, require complex technologies and their sensitivity is still low.
By using an innovative technology on tissue left over after surgery and blood, we want to address the burning question on why progression occurs and how it can be detected at its early stages before gliomas are untreatable. Detection of such “tipping point” will enable clinicians to time treatments more effectively and therefore reduce the toxicity of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and will also contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of transformation to develop more effective post-operative treatments.
Our multidisciplinary team of scientists has the necessary complementary skills to carry out the research and their expertise in the fields of neuro-oncology, neuroscience and bioinformatics will allow a truly translational approach. Full laboratory infrastructure, instrumentation and expertise are in place at the University of Manchester. Patients with diffuse glioma will be recruited at Salford Royal Foundation Trust and will be followed prospectively for the duration of the project at regular intervals (3, 6, 12, 18, 36 & 48 months) although only a small blood sample in line with clinical care is asked for.
Funding has been received from multiple sources including Cancer Research UK and Wellcome Trust.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0186
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion