A Longitudinal Study to Evaluate Biomarkers in Brain Tumour Patients

Abstract

Abstract AIMS To monitor brain tumour patient blood for predictive and prognostic biomarkers, in a prospective longitudinal study. Continuing the research of Dr. Abel the results may be used to predict tumour recurrence and progression from low- to high-grade. The results may be useful in the clinical management of malignant glioma patients. METHOD A patented panel of biomarkers will be investigated using FFPE tissue and blood components from adult brain tumour patients in the North West region. Biomarker expression will be analysed in different molecular sub-types of glioma, grouped by IDH and methylation status. An evaluation will be conducted to determine if reference ranges can be created to distinguish between high-and low-grade tumours. Spectroscopic analysis of blood samples will be tested to determine if cancerous and non-cancerous can be differentiated from each other. There will be testing of selected miRNA’s for up and down regulation patterns. Sample Intervals: Initial diagnosis, 24 hours post-surgery, pre-therapy, post-radiotherapy, after adjuvant therapy, at 3 then 6 monthly post therapy, at recurrence or suspected recurrence and at intervals during further therapy and follow up. RESULTS There are no results to report at this point in the study time line. Testing to start in April 2022. CONCLUSION The potential impact of research would work towards lower patient risk and less invasive procedures. If used as a screening tool could allow high NHS savings. There could be an impact on patient experience and survival if recurrence could be detected [NICE guideline NG99] recommendation for research.