Our research is translating into real, tangible outcomes that are improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours in adults and children, and beginning to make an impact on clinical practice.
A number of breakthroughs and exciting findings have been generated through research funded by Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust. For example:
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a test for children who have been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, the most common malignant childhood brain tumour. The test will allow doctors to gain a much more detailed understanding of the severity of each tumour, enabling a more accurate prognosis and more appropriate treatment options for individual children.
See a press release relating to this research here, and a summary of the research here.
Our research team at Queen Mary, University of London has discovered a genetic change that is frequently found in certain low grade brain tumours in children. The change is present in 2/3 of cases of pilocytic astrocytoma and relates to a pathway that is likely to be involved in the development of the tumour. This could provide leads for future treatments that target this pathway.
See a news piece relating to this research here, and a summary of the research here.
We have teamed up with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London to routinely offer a new test to patients diagnosed with high grade brain tumours. The ‘MGMT methylation’ genetic test will indicate how effective chemotherapy with temozolomide is likely to be for their tumour, providing patients with a more accurate prognosis and more informed treatment choices.
See a press release relating to this research here and a summary of this research here.
Research at the University of Nottingham has produced a national guideline for GPs and other health professionals relating to the diagnosis of brain tumours in children. This is now being launched nationwide, with the aim of reducing the time it takes to diagnose childhood brain tumours. This early diagnosis project is a collaboration between Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, the University of Nottingham and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. This project is summarised here, and has provided the basis for our national campaign to promote earlier diagnosis of brain tumours in children and young adults: HeadSmart – be brain tumour aware – click here to find out more.
You can find out about more of our exciting breakthroughs in our latest research news here.