Neuro oncology
Neuro oncology at Manchester brings together surgeons, clinicians, and researchers to deliver the best patient care through cutting-edge research and surgical practices.
Tumours of the brain, central nervous system, skull base and pituitary gland are extremely complex.
Research in neuro oncology requires the integration of several disciplines in order to understand the biological mechanisms of tumours, as well their interactions with both their microenvironments and whole organisms.
Our focus is on translational research. We promote scientific discovery and develop strategies to improve pre-operative diagnosis and surgical techniques, maximise the response to post-operative treatment and minimise undesirable side effects.
Our experienced, multidisciplinary team of clinicians, imaging and basic scientists work across The University of Manchester, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, The Royal Manchester Children Hospital and The Christie.
Together we provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and personalised care for more than 500 new patients a year. We also specialise in neurofibromatosis and run one of two national referring centres for the disease.
We have close links with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine and the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre.
Our clinicians and researchers actively engage with the community through forums where patients and their families can share their experiences, ultimately contributing their ideas for more personalised patient care.
Areas of research activity
- Neurosurgery
- Paediatric neuro oncology
- Neurofibromatosis
- Stem cell and neurotherapies
- Molecular imaging
- Tissue analysis and molecular pathology
- Clinical trials
- Biobanking
Major projects
Molecular characterisation of neurofibromatosis, schwannomatosis and related disorders
A team led by Professor Gareth Evans is conducting translational research into neurofibromatosis and related conditions; from basic science through observational studies to clinical trials.
Translocator protein expression in transforming gliomas
Dr Federico Roncaroli, Mr David Coope and Professors Alan Jackson and Karl Herholz lead a team of investigators researching transforming gliomas. By combining molecular imaging, tissue and molecular analysis, their work investigate the role and regulation of the translocator protein (TSPO) in progression of gliomas and the TSPO as a possible therapeutic targets.
Biological validation of biomarkers of tissue hypoxia in glioblastoma multiforme
Professor Alan Jackson leads a team investigating the role oxygen performs in the growth and treatment of malignant brain tumours. The amount of oxygen in a patient’s brain is scanned with a state of the art MRI scanner and compared to additional scans with a PET scanner.
Children's Brain Tumour Research Network
The network, based at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, aims to improve our understanding of the genetic and environmental factors predisposing brain tumour development in children and young people. They focus on the development of targeted therapy and study the personal, psychological and social challenges faced by young people with brain tumours.
Highlight publications
- Toxicity profile of bevacizumab in the UK neurofibromatosis type 2 cohort
- A Cancer Research UK first time in human phase I trial of IMA950 (novel multipeptide therapeutic vaccine) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma
- Clinical and molecular predictors of mortality in neurofibromatosis 2: a UK national analysis of 1192 patients
- The 18-kDa mitochondrial translocator protein in human gliomas: An 11C-(R)PK11195 PET imaging and neuropathology study
- PK11195 tracer kinetics in the brain of glioma patients and a comparison of two referencing approaches
- Multiple synchronous sites of origin of vestibular schwannomas in neurofibromatosis type 2
Case study
Building a brain tumour biobank - and better patient relationships
Biobanks are central to developing innovative basic, translational and clinical research in neuro oncology.
Established in 2016 as part of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre Biobank, the Brain Tumour Biobank at Salford Royal is an invaluable resource.
The collection comprises a range of tumour types, including gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic carcinomas and pituitary adenomas. It is combined with a wealth of data collected via NHS Electronic Patient Records to facilitate translational research into tumours of the brain, skull base and pituitary.
The biobank has close links with Brain UK in Southampton, the Imperial College Healthcare Tissue Bank in London, The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group Tissue Bank and the Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg.
In addition to providing biobanking support and histological technical assistance, our biobank technician Ricky Williams actively engages with patients in order to build positive relationships between the patient community and medical researchers by attending patient engagement groups and other relevant events.
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Contact
Clinical
Dr Federico Roncaroli
Email: federico.roncaroli@manchester.ac.uk
Funding and partnerships
Lisa Hearty, Strategic Funding Manager
Email: lisa.hearty@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 0551