Experts from the University of Nottingham will use AI to combine genomic data and advanced MRI imaging to predict recurrence of deadly brain cancer - which will open options for personalised treatments for the incurable and aggressive disease.
The charity Brain Tumour Research has announced a £2.6 million investment to help find a cure for the deadliest adult brain tumour. The charity will establish a Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham, which will focus on improving the understanding and treatment of glioblastoma.
Incurable and notoriously difficult to treat, glioblastoma is the most aggressive and common type of brain tumour, with an overall survival of just 12-18 months. Some cancer cells remain in the brain even after surgery, leading to regrowth and once the tumour returns, there are very limited treatment options.
Now, in the first study of its kind, researchers at the new Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham will combine advanced brain imaging scans, captured during surgery, and genomic analyses of cancer cells at the very edge of the tumour – known as the infiltrative margin. Harnessing the power of AI, and using mathematical modelling, they'll provide predictions for the earliest signs of tumour recurrence based on an individual patient's data.
When glioblastoma does grow back, it's biology is much more similar to that of the infiltrative margin compared to the original tumour. Therefore, the team will focus on identifying drug targets in the infiltrative margin that could stop cancer growth. This will allow for earlier targeted treatment after surgery, before recurrence shows up on regular imaging scans. The hope is for clinical trials using this approach to start within 5 years.
We envision a future where, ultimately, brain imaging alone will identify drugs tailored to each individual patient, to block glioblastoma recurrence. This change won't happen overnight - we need sustained investment in research into brain tumours to do the vital discovery and clinical work to make our vision of a cure for brain tumours a reality."
Today's announcement has been welcomed by people living with glioblastoma. Mum of four Verity Phillips, 35, from Lincolnshire, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2022 after collapsing.
Verity said: "Glioblastoma is brutal. Like most people diagnosed, I was given just 12 to 18 months to live. I've already beaten those odds, but I live from scan to scan, wondering how long I'll be 'lucky' for. I'm a mum to four beautiful children; I want to be here for all the bedtime cuddles, all the silly squabbles and everything in between.
"We need more funding for more research now so that there are better treatments for all the mums who follow; for all those who will hear the words, 'You have brain cancer'. The Nottingham Centre will be a beacon of hope to glioblastoma patients like me. I know my tumour isn't going away, but as long as I'm here, I'll continue to raise awareness and support research until a cure is found."
Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Dan Knowles, CEO of Brain Tumour Research, said: "Brain Tumour Research, our supporters, and the broader community, are driven by the need to ensure that, in the future, no other family is forced to face this awful disease. We are driven by hope – which in turn stems from science and the tangible progress that is being made by our team of world-class scientists who dedicate their expertise every day to scientific discovery and making breakthroughs.
"We are on the cusp of change – and this new Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham will play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge research to bring about the cure that is so desperately needed. Together, we have the chance to achieve our vision. Together we will find a cure."
