Every scientific breakthrough that could benefit people affected by brain tumours starts as an idea. But for that idea to reach patients in the clinic, it needs to be shared, challenged and refined.
That's why scientific conferences like the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) Annual Meeting are so important. One of the world’s leading brain tumour conferences, the EANO Annual Meeting brings together researchers, clinicians and patient advocates from across the globe to share discoveries and explore new ways to improve outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.
As Research Communications Manager for Brain Tumour Research, I was fortunate enough to attend this year to learn about research taking place worldwide, with topics including how tumours evolve over time, ways to improve treatment effectiveness, the barriers slowing progress from the laboratory to the clinic, and how to keep the patient voice at the heart of research.
I was particularly proud to see so many researchers from our Centres of Excellence and Funded Initiatives presenting their work, demonstrating the breadth and world-class quality of the innovative research that your support makes possible.
A highlight of the conference hearing the results of the ROAM/EORTC-1308 trial on atypical meningioma. Led by Neurosurgeon Professor Michael Jenkinson of the Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, the ROAM trial showed that radiotherapy halves the risk of atypical (more aggressive) meningioma brain tumour returning after surgery. It provides the strongest evidence to date that patients with completely resected atypical meningioma should be offered radiotherapy rather than observation alone, helping patients and clinicians make better informed decisions.
Dr Karen Noble, our Director of Research, Policy and Innovation, said: “This study is the first to provide evidence which could shape treatment options for meningioma patients, showing that radiotherapy after surgery can reduce the risk of tumour recurrence with limited side effects. We need to see more investment in research into brain tumours so that clinical studies such as these can improve outcomes for patients.”
Another stand out moment was Professor Steven Pollard, Co-Director of our Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence receiving the EANO Research Award for 2026 for his research into the synthetic super-enhancer (SSE) technology. The research, now continued through Trogenix, a spin-out company co-founded by Prof Pollard, was published in Nature earlier this year. It demonstrated that, in laboratory models, a single dose of SSEs caused 83% of glioblastoma tumours to disappear over two-three weeks. The technology is progressing quickly into the clinic, with the team starting a Phase1/2 clinical trial earlier this year.
It was particularly encouraging to see Early Career Researchers showcasing their work through poster presentations. These sessions allow scientists from around the world and at every career stage to meet researchers, explore their findings, and discuss the potential impact of their work.
Dr Thomas Millner, from our Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London, shared his research on some of the biological changes that occur as oligodendroglioma tumours develop and progress. While Ella Harris, Brain Tumour Research-funded PhD student at our Centre at the University of Plymouth, presented work on new drugs designed to block signals that help glioma cells survive and spread.
Glioblastoma, the most common high-grade brain tumour in adults, was a particular focus throughout the conference. From our Scottish Centre, Dr Joanna Birch shared research on developing innovative nanoparticle technologies capable of delivering treatments more directly to tumour cells. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy while reducing side effects and damage to healthy tissue.
The Conference took place as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month drew to a close and it was heartening to learn of progress in paediatric brain tumours. Dr Rebecca Rogers, from our Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, presented promising laboratory research showing that combining targeted drugs with common cholesterol-lowering statins could improve treatment effectiveness for diffuse midline glioma. Because statins are already widely used and well understood, this approach may offer a faster route towards clinical testing if further research is successful.
Laboratory science was not the only focus at EANO and several presentations focused on improving support and quality of life for patients and families. Lillie Pakzad-Shahabi from our Centre at Imperial College London demonstrated how peer-support groups can help reduce isolation, increase confidence and provide valuable information for people exploring treatment options beyond standard NHS care.
Also from our Scottish Centre, Centre Director Professor Anthony Chalmers presented results from the PARADIGM clinical trial. Although the trial found that adding the drug olaparib to radiotherapy did not improve survival for older patients with glioblastoma, it is just as important to share negative results as positive ones. Understanding what does not work helps guide future research, ensuring time and resources are focused on the most promising treatments for patients.
The importance of involving patients in research was also highlighted by Dr Helen Bulbeck, Co-founder and Director of Services and Policy at brainstrust, and co-founder of Funded Initiative, PRIME, who led discussions on how researchers can better integrate lived experience into the design and delivery of research studies.
One of the strongest messages from EANO 2026 was that progress against brain tumours depends on collaboration. Whether developing new treatments, understanding tumour biology or improving patient support, researchers are making advances by sharing knowledge and working together across institutions, disciplines and countries.
Seeing researchers supported by Brain Tumours Research share their findings on the international stage was a powerful reminder that your support is driving forward the discoveries that will bring us closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for all types of brain tumours.
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