Molecular analyses of GBM and derived EV's v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular analyses of malignant brain tumours and their derived extracellular vesicles
IRAS ID
229720
Contact name
George Giamas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare type of cancer affecting the brain. It is one of the most aggressive cancers that has devastating effects on the quality of life. Survival is less than two years for most patients despite maximal therapy. Current treatment includes surgery to establish the diagnosis and remove as much of the tumour while preserving neurological functions. This is followed by oncological treatment in the form of radio- and chemotherapy when patients can tolerate it.
Even though our understanding of GBM has improved significantly this has not yet translate into a better prognosis. GBMs are highly aggressive tumours with a capacity to adapt and overcome the current treatment modalities. Arguable some of them may become even more aggressive as a consequence of treatment. This tumour behaviour is the result of complex interactions between its various types of cells.
There is data and ongoing research on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in normal functioning of brain cells and also in various diseases including cancer. EVs are microscopic spherical structures secreted by normal and tumour cells that carry a variety of molecules such as genetic material (DNA, RNA), proteins, lipids and products of cellular metabolism. EVs can be used by cancer cells to communicate between themselves and with normal cells in their immediate vicinity or at a distance. EVs from GBM cells can be found in the peripheral blood and CSF (fluid around the brain and spinal cord).
There is a potential that EVs isolated from blood or CSF could be used in diagnosis, assessment of response to treatment and prediction of tumour recurrence avoiding other more invasive methods.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0071
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion