Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX - Platform Study
The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX study hopes to improve how we understand and treat a type of brain tumour called glioma. These tumours can be very difficult to treat, partly because they are in the brain and can be hard to reach or remove completely. This study focuses on identifying the exact type of tumour a patient has by looking closely at changes in their cells' DNA. This allows for a very precise 'molecular diagnosis'. The main goal is to build a network of expert centres across the UK. This network will be able to quickly analyse tumour samples and use this information to guide future clinical trials. These trials will test new treatments specifically designed to target the unique changes found in an individual's tumour. Ultimately, the hope is to find better ways to help patients with brain tumours live longer and have a better quality of life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Brain tumours, especially a type called glioma, can be very challenging to treat. They are the most common type of primary brain tumour, meaning they start in the brain. Treating them can be tricky because of where they are located and how they can spread into surrounding brain tissue, making it hard for surgeons to remove them completely. Also, our brains have natural defences that can make it difficult for medicines to reach the tumour effectively.
This study, called the Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX, is a big step towards improving how we understand and treat these tumours. Our bodies are made of tiny building blocks called cells, and inside these cells is DNA, which contains all our genetic information. Brain tumours develop because of changes in this DNA and other important molecules inside the cells. Different types of gliomas have different changes, and by identifying these specific changes, doctors can get a much clearer picture of the exact type of tumour a person has. This is called a 'molecular diagnosis'.
By building a network of specialist centres across the UK, this study aims to create a system that can quickly and accurately get this molecular information from tumour and blood samples. This information will then act as a foundation for future research. It will help researchers design and run new clinical trials that test 'targeted' treatments. These are treatments specifically chosen to attack the unique changes found in an individual's tumour, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. The ultimate goal is to find better treatments that could help people with brain tumours live longer and with a better quality of life.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve understanding and treatment of brain tumours (gliomas).
- Focuses on finding precise genetic information about each tumour.
- Building a UK-wide network to support future advanced studies.
- Laying groundwork for 'targeted' treatments tailored to individuals.
- Not an immediate treatment study, but vital for future therapies.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would typically be an adult (age 16 or older) who has recently been diagnosed with a suspected brain tumour called a glioma (specifically, WHO Grade 2-4 based on scans). You would also need to be having surgery that provides a sample of your tumour and a matching blood sample.
Even if you've been diagnosed with a glioma in the past and it has started to grow again, you might still be able to join. The researchers are especially interested in samples from those who have existing frozen tumour tissue.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if your tumour is in your spinal cord rather than your brain, or if you are currently being treated for another type of cancer. You also wouldn't be able to join if you can't have an MRI scan or if standard brain scans aren't available for your case. Finally, it's very important that you understand the study and agree to take part by giving your written consent.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 16 years old or older?
- Do you have a new suspected diagnosis of a specific type of brain tumour (WHO Grade 2-4 glioma)?
- Are you having surgery that will provide a tumour and blood sample?
- Do you have a known glioma that has grown again?
- Are you not currently receiving treatment for another type of cancer?
- Can you have an MRI scan?
What does participation involve?
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Potential risks and benefits
Locations (14)
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom· Terminated
- Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre University NHS TrustVerified postcodeCardiff, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- NHS LothianVerified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom· Active not recruiting
- Queen Elizabeth Unviersity Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health BoardVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Active not recruiting
- St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Walton Centre, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- King's College Hospital, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Christie Hospital, The Christie NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Freeman Hospital, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'glioma'?
A glioma is a common type of brain tumour that starts in the brain tissue itself.
Why is it important to know the 'molecular diagnosis' of my tumour?
Understanding the unique genetic changes in your tumour (molecular diagnosis) helps doctors classify it more precisely and could lead to new, targeted treatments that work better for that specific type of tumour.
Will taking part in this study give me a new treatment?
This particular study (Platform Study) is about building the foundation and gathering information. It doesn't offer new treatments directly, but it paves the way for future studies that will test them.
What does a 'targeted therapy' mean?
Targeted therapies are medicines designed to specifically attack the unique genetic changes or features found in an individual's cancer cells, aiming to be more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional treatments.
How many people are expected to join this study?
The researchers aim to recruit 1,000 patients for this study.
How to find out more
Rhys Mant
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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