TeTra
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging Primary Brain Tumour Growth and Transformation in Young Adults
IRAS ID
242865
Contact name
Matthew Grech-Sollars
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Low grade gliomas are brain tumours associated with a relatively long progression free survival of 3-8 years. These low grade tumours will eventually transform heterogeneously into higher grade tumours, with a different biological composition to their original form. Three dominant features of these physiological and metabolic changes are related to cellular proliferation, angiogenesis and microstructure. Previously, choline uptake on PET, which is thought to be related to cellular proliferation, was shown to be higher in more aggressive tumours. Tumour microstructure, including cellularity and angiogenesis, was also shown to be different between low and high grade tumours. Moreover, longitudinal perfusion imaging indicated tumour transformation. In this study we aim to combine these variables to assess the biological changes in tumour microstructure and proliferation over time by imaging young patients with low grade glioma using PET and MR at multiple time-points.\n15 patients aged between 18 and 39, presenting with radiological low grade glioma and who haven’t had radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgical treatment will be recruited to this prospective study. Patients will have their first choline PET and advanced MR immediately following recruitment. They will then have a second pre-surgery set of PET and MR imaging 6 months after first imaging. Once surgery takes place, between 1 and 5 samples will be taken during surgery from targeted regions for genetic testing. Repeat MRI scans will take place according to clinical follow-up decisions. No additional PET scans take place as standard of care.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1597
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion