Molecular pathology of neuroectodermal and mesenchymal neoplasms

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Molecular pathology of neuroectodermal and mesenchymal neoplasms

  • IRAS ID

    45163

  • Contact name

    Olaf Ansorge

  • Contact email

    olaf.ansorge@ndcn.ox.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Oxford

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Neuroectodermal and mesenchymal neoplasms are individually rare (compared to carcinomas) but collectively put a huge burden on society as they predominantly affect young people and organ systems essential for an independent life (nervous system, musculoskeletal system). Due to their rarity, collaborative national and international research is essential to resolve the biology of these neoplasms, improve diagnostic stratification and work towards personalised treatments that avoid harm and target specific drivers of the neoplasms, ultimately providing better outcomes for affected individuals. Here, we seek permission to access samples for molecular pathologic research which have been collected from the living as part of routine care in the UK, or have been imported. This will be done anonymously to the researcher. We will deploy the latest spatial and single-cell technologies to refine diagnostic approaches and biological heterogeneity. The outcome will be improved access to an integrated histo-molecular diagnosis for people with these neoplasms in the UK (and internationally), plus identification of novel biological mechanisms that may guide future treatment approaches. Our work complements prospective studies linked to Genomics England and UK Brain BioLink, Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX, PTRON AO Spine and EURACAN (a European Network for Rare Tumours in which the CI was a founding member, but due to Brexit has been evicted).

  • REC name

    London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/PR/0486

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 May 2024

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion