ReSuLT_BT - version 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    REsearching Speech and Language Therapy for people living with Brain Tumours

  • IRAS ID

    349323

  • Contact name

    Fiona Menger

  • Contact email

    fiona.menger@ncl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 11 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    People who have invasive (cancerous) brain tumours can live for many years after treatment. However, the tumour and/or its treatment can cause speech, language, and communication difficulties (SLCD). These may include problems with understanding, speaking, reading, writing, or having conversations. SLCD can affect quality of life and make it harder to access information and support.
    There is little research on how SLCD affects people with brain tumours, and no clear guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs) or other healthcare professionals on how best to support them.

    The RESuLT_BT study aims to:
    Understand how SLCD affects people living with brain tumours, including what support they need and what has helped or not helped.
    Explore healthcare professionals’ views on current support for SLCD.
    Develop recommendations to improve care for people with SLCD due to brain tumours.

    The research involves interviews with up to 25 adults living with brain tumours, recruited through hospitals, community services, or relevant charities. We will also run focus groups with SLTs, other healthcare professionals, and “communication partners” (family, friends, or carers) to explore their experiences and views.

    In later stakeholder work, we will share a summary of findings with people living with brain tumours and SLTs. We will work with these groups to agree on practical recommendations for improving care.

    The research team will receive training in supporting people with communication difficulties. A patient involvement group will help us understand and interpret the findings.

    We will share results through the Brain Tumour Charity, the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. We will also present at conferences, publish in journals, and create accessible resources such as YouTube videos and a podcast.

  • REC name

    South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/SC/0386

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Mar 2026

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion