09.01.20
University study could improve brain tumour precision medicine
The University of Bristol has today (Jan 9) revealed new research on brain tumours that could improve patient diagnosis and treatment options as part of a precision medicine approach.
The Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Bristol has collaborated with the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) at Queen’s University Belfast to investigate the genetics of brain tumours. Research from the study partnership was published in the Journal of Oncology.
The research involved extracting DNA from the brain tumours of 41 patients and characterising any changes or mutations. Results were recorded for different types of tumours both before and after treatment.
Mutations that are particular to different types of tumour were highlighted in the research, enabling the use of precision medicine, tailored to the specific DNA mutations in their tumour.
Existing licensed drugs used as combination therapies to target specific mutations were also listed in the new study. However, to ensure patient safety, any new combination therapies would first need to be tested in clinical trials before they would become available to patients.
Findings from the study give hope of developing new, more effective targeted treatments. Part of the research also followed mutations developed during brain cancer, presenting opportunities for new therapy options to be given as the cancer progresses and help to extend patient survival.
Dr Kathreena Kurian, Associate Professor in Brain Tumour Research at the University of Bristol, who led the research, said:
"New treatments are urgently needed for this incurable and devastating disease. This approach should improve patient outcomes and save on prescribing medicines to patients that won’t benefit from them, thereby reducing patient exposure to toxic chemicals from chemotherapy, as well as saving the NHS money."
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and adults under the age of 40, with 16,000 people in the UK diagnosed with a brain tumour each year.
The work was supported by funding from Brain Tumour Bank and Research Fund, Southmead Hospital Charity at North Bristol NHS Trust, University of Bristol Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) and Brainwaves Northern Ireland (NI). Ethical approval for the study was given by BRAIN UK.
Photo: University of Bristol