Using T-Cell signals to detect and track gliomas 

Fast facts

• Title: T-Cell Receptor Sequencing for Non-Invasive Glioma Diagnostics and Monitoring 
• Lead Researcher: Dr Bo Sun 
• Where: University of Oxford 
• When: August 2024 – July 2027 
• Cost: £225,000 over 3 years 
• Research type: Glioblastoma (High grade) 
• Grant round: Future Leaders 

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Glioma recurrence is unfortunately common, with a high percentage of patients experiencing tumour regrowth after initial treatment. While earlier interventions generally lead to better patient outcomes, existing methods for detecting and monitoring these tumours are currently imperfect. Brain scans can often fail to detect tumours at the earliest point of recurrence. This study aims to harness genetic traits of immune cells, called T-cells, to improve detection, monitoring, and treatment of adult diffuse gliomas.

What is it?

Dr Bo Sun’s project is looking at developing a way of using blood samples to predict whether a patient’s tumour might regrow following treatment. His work focuses on a group of tumours called adult diffuse gliomas, which are the most common type of high-grade brain tumour in adults. Bo’s work seeks to find a less invasive approach to detecting and monitoring these tumours, to hopefully be able to catch tumour regrowth at the earliest stage possible. 

The key players in this project are a type of immune cell known as T-cells. They guard our body against infections and can attack and kill cancer cells. They do this using a special feature on their surface called a T-cell receptor, or TCR. These TCRs are what allows the immune cell to identify a cancer cell. By looking at the TCRs from patient blood samples, Bo hopes to be able to develop a way of detecting the presence of tumour regrowth earlier after surgery.  

Why is it important?

This project combines cutting-edge sequencing technology, with advanced artificial intelligence, to drive research into detecting and predicting tumour regrowth, while also providing valuable insights into how the immune system interacts with brain tumours. This information could also be used to help evaluate existing immunotherapies, where treatments aim to boost the patient’s own immune system to help fight their cancer. 

In summary, this work could not only improve the detection of tumour recurrence but could also open new avenues for personalised immunotherapy treatments for gliomas. 

…the knowledge gained from this type of research is going to be vital in developing a better understanding of how immune cells interact with brain cancers, which might help better guide the types of immune therapy that we’re implementing.

Dr Bo Sun