The University of Nottingham

The Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham is home to researchers pushing the boundaries of scientific and medical technology to get us closer to a cure for glioblastoma tumours in adults.

Their goal is to create a future where next generation genome sequencing, combined with advanced brain imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), will not only predict the earliest signs of recurrence of glioblastoma tumours, but will also identify effective personalised treatments for patients.

“We envision a future where, ultimately, brain imaging alone will identify drugs tailored to each individual patient, to block glioblastoma recurrence.” – Professor Ruman Rahman, Director of the Centre of Excellence

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Glioblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed high-grade aggressive adult brain tumour, with 3,200 people diagnosed in the UK each year. Despite intensive treatment, the disease invariably returns, with survival sadly measured in months.  

The first treatment for glioblastoma is surgery, during which neurosurgeons aim to remove as much of the tumour as possible without harming healthy brain tissue. However, glioblastoma tumours are ‘diffuse’ which means they invade healthy areas of the brain near the tumour (known as the infiltrative margin). As a result, some tumour cells will almost always be left behind, continue to grow and start the fatal recurrence. 

When glioblastoma tumours return, they often look very different from the original tumour and do not respond to the same treatments. That is why we have invested into research to develop new ways to stop or slow down these recurring tumours – bringing hope for better outcomes.

Preventing recurrence using advanced brain scans – how the Nottingham Centre is going to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients 

In a world-first study, researchers at Nottingham are combining advanced brain scans with detailed analysis of tumour tissue taken from the infiltrative margin.

By studying this tissue at a genetic and molecular level, scientists aim to predict when and where the tumour is likely to return – and what it will look like. This knowledge will help doctors choose treatments tailored to each patient, giving them the best chance of survival and better quality of life.

The research will unfold in five stages. Each stage will produce valuable information on its own, but together they will create a clear pathway to transforming how glioblastoma is treated in the clinic.

  • Gather tumour samples

    Researchers and clinical nurses are recruiting 50 patients with suspected glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype that are undergoing treatment at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

    Each patient will have advanced brain scans and tumour samples taken from two areas: the tumour core and the infiltrative margin.

  • Analyse the cells found in tumour margins  

    Using the ‘pink drink’ (5ALA), which makes glioblastoma cells glow under UV light, researchers will separate cancer cells from healthy brain tissue in samples from Queen’s Medical Centre.

    Once separated, researchers will analyse the tumour samples to understand:
    Are there abnormal changes (mutations) to the DNA?
    Which genes are switched on that shouldn’t be?
    Do these cells have unusual protein combinations not found in healthy cells?
    Is their metabolism different from normal cells?

    Their aim is to find weaknesses that can be targeted with new or existing drugs – ideally medicines that can be given before the cancer returns, to stop it coming back.

  • Combine advanced brain imaging with tissue analyses   

    The team will work with experts at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, Nottingham.

    Using what they learn from the tissue analysis, researchers will develop advanced MRI methods that make the unique markers of infiltrative glioblastoma cells visible on scans, giving doctors a non-invasive way to understand the make-up of the recurrent tumour without the need for a risky biopsy.

  • Train AI to spot recurrent tumours 

    Using the wealth of information generated from the new MRI techniques and tissue analyses, the team will train powerful computer models and AI systems to:

    Show where and when the tumour is most likely to return, helping doctors plan treatments like surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy

    Predict what the returning tumour will be like, so doctors can choose the best drugs for each patient to stop their tumour before it grows again.

  • Test drugs that prevent tumour recurrence 

    In the final stage of the research programme, scientists will identify and test treatments that target specific weaknesses in recurrent tumours that have been shown to be visible on MRI scans, to find out whether these therapies can prevent the cancer from returning.

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Meet the research team

  • Professor Ruman Rahman

    Director of the Centre of Excellence
    Professor of Molecular Neuro-Oncology

    Find out more 

  • Dr Stuart Smith  

    Co-lead of the Centre of Excellence
    Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

    Find out more 

  • Professor Michael Chappell 

    Co-lead of the Centre of Excellence
    Professor of Biomedical Imaging

    Find out more