Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Surgically Induced Neurological Deficits in Glioblastomas (SIND Study)

This study, called SIND, is a part of a bigger project aiming to improve brain surgery and radiotherapy for glioblastoma. We want to understand how brain surgery for this type of cancer affects everyday life, including vision, memory, and overall well-being. To do this, we'll involve patients with brain tumours in different areas. We'll use special brain scans before and after surgery to see exactly which parts of the brain are affected. Then, we'll compare these brain changes with how people are feeling, their vision, and their thinking skills. The goal is to make future surgeries more precise, helping patients recover better and have the best possible quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2021

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2024

Glioblastoma

What is this study about?

This study, called SIND (Surgically Induced Neurological Deficits in Glioblastomas), is a vital part of a larger effort to make brain surgery and radiation treatment for glioblastoma much more precise and personal. Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer, and sometimes the surgery to remove it can affect parts of the brain that control important functions like vision or thinking. We want to understand these effects better so that doctors can plan future treatments to protect these areas as much as possible.

Imagine your brain as a complex map. When surgery happens, it's like making a small change to that map. This study helps us understand exactly which 'roads' or 'landmarks' on the brain map are affected, and how that impacts a person's journey through life. We will use advanced scanning techniques before and after surgery to get a very detailed picture of the brain. We'll also ask patients about their daily lives, their vision, and do some simple tests to check their thinking. By putting all this information together, we hope to find out which specific brain changes lead to difficulties in daily life.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve how we plan and carry out surgery for glioblastoma. By understanding how changes in specific brain areas affect quality of life, doctors can aim to remove as much of the tumour as safely as possible, while also protecting the brain functions that matter most to patients. This research will help create more personalized treatment plans, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for people living with glioblastoma.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make brain surgery for glioblastoma more precise.
It uses advanced scans and tests to understand how surgery affects your brain, vision, and thinking.
The goal is to improve future patient outcomes and quality of life.
You'll undergo standard surgery, not experimental treatment.
Participation involves extra assessments, not new medication.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, your medical team will first need to confirm that you have a type of brain cancer called a high-grade glioma, based on your scan results. You should generally be fit and able to carry out your normal daily activities without much difficulty. Importantly, your brain surgeon must believe that they can safely remove most of your tumour during surgery.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you already have significant vision problems like complete blindness in one eye or severe vision loss that affects your daily life. You also can't have a severe mental health condition. Finally, if you can't have an MRI scan for reasons like having certain metal implants in your body, being very claustrophobic, or having a severe kidney problem, then you wouldn't be able to join this study.

Quick self-check

I have been diagnosed with a high-grade glioma.
My doctors think I am generally well and fit enough for surgery.
My surgeon believes they can remove most of the tumour safely.
I haven't had severe vision problems before.
I don't have severe mental health issues.
I can safely have an MRI scan.

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have several assessments. These include detailed eye tests, special brain scans (MRIs) before and after your surgery, and questionnaires about your vision and general well-being. You will also do some simple computer-based tests to check your thinking and memory. We will collect information from these assessments to understand how your brain and daily life are affected by surgery. You will not receive any new medication as part of this specific study. The total duration of your participation will depend on the assessments scheduled around your surgery and follow-up, but generally involves checks before surgery and then some follow-up assessments afterwards.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information collected could help improve future treatments for people with glioblastoma, potentially leading to better quality of life for other patients. As with any medical research, there are some potential risks. These include the usual risks associated with MRI scans (such as claustrophobia) or discomfort during eye and cognitive tests. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Stephen Price
Cambridge, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is a type of aggressive brain cancer that grows quickly.

Will I receive a different type of surgery if I join this study?

No, you will receive the standard 'maximal, safe' surgery that your neurosurgeon believes is best for you.

What kind of brain scans will I have?

You'll have advanced MRI scans, including some that look at how different parts of your brain communicate.

Will I get to see my test results?

The research team will discuss how results are shared with you and your healthcare team.

How long does each assessment take?

Some tests, like the cognitive screening, take about 30 minutes, while MRI scans can take longer. The team will provide a schedule.