Astrocytoma research
Astrocytomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour within the group of brain tumours called gliomas.
They grow from a type of cell in the brain called an astrocyte, which is the most abundant cell in the brain. They support and protect the neurons (nerves) and help to pass messages between them. Astrocytes, therefore, are vital in processing information in the brain.
Current Astrocytoma research projects
Here are the research projects we are currently funding that relate to understanding or treating astrocytoma
Professor Monika Hegi
MGMT methylation levels predicting treatment response
In this project, the researchers will be working to find a biomarker for IDH-mutated low grade gliomas (LGGs). They want to predict which people will get the most, and the least, benefit from temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. They propose that with this knowledge, some treatments, such as radiotherapy, could be reduced or delayed, avoiding side-effects and improving quality of life.
Professor Colin Watts
The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is a first-of-its-kind study that will enable doctors to treat brain tumours with drugs that are more targeted than ever before. We are excited to be investing £2.8 million to set the study up, and to drive it into the future.
Although the trial is being led from the UK, we expect it to deliver global impact for brain cancer patients