Genetic and environmental contributions to cognitive outcome in glioma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the role of pre-morbid educational attainment, socioeconomic status, and genetics on cognitive outcome variability in patients with low grade brain tumours: A student research project
IRAS ID
233329
Contact name
Andrew Tolmie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2017/09/17, UCL Data Protection Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 7 months, 25 days
Research summary
Variability in health care outcomes is a significant challenge to modern society. Brain tumours can have profound effects on a patient’s cognition, including their memory, attention, decision-making abilities and knowledge, and thus their quality of life. A wide range of cognitive outcomes are observed in patients with brain tumours. Currently recognised influences on cognitive outcomes include the brain tumour itself, and treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, these fail to account completely for the observed variation in cognitive outcomes. Recent data suggest a potential genetic influence on cognitive outcome variability in brain tumour patients, and other potential influences include pre-morbid socioeconomic status and educational attainment. The aim of this research project is to better understand the contribution that genetics as well as pre-morbid socioeconomic status and educational attainment have on cognitive outcomes in patients with low grade (less aggressive) brain tumours. There will be three phases: acquisition of retrospectively-collected imaging, demographic, clinical and neuropsychological data (phase I), prospective collection of data on current socioeconomic status, cognitive function, and genetics (phase II), followed by analysis and synthesis of all the data (phase III). Current treatment options for brain tumour-associated cognitive impairment are limited and lack significant evidence. Improved knowledge of the factors influencing cognitive outcomes and recovery in this population could lead to better-targeted interventions that optimise functional outcomes and quality of life.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0007
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion