Meningioma research
Almost a quarter of all primary brain tumours in adults are meningiomas. As many as 90% are low grade meningiomas (Grades 1 and 2) but there is a small subset that are more aggressive (Grade 3).
Meningiomas develop in the membrane that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Current treatments depend on the size, location and nature of the tumour, but there are no targeted treatments, yet.
Current research we’re funding
Here is the research project we are currently funding that relate to understanding or treating meningioma:
Targeting clinically challenging meningiomas
Dr Gelareh Zadeh
Dr Zadeh aims to identify key molecules within a cell that start, as well as maintain, the growth of high grade meningiomas.
Beyond surgery and radiation therapy, treatment options for high grade meningiomas are limited, making it essential to understand the biology of these high grade meningiomas so we can pick up the pace towards a cure for those affected.
Who will this reasearch help?
This research will help identify changes associated with CAMs to help improve diagnosis and identify drug targets to treat this tumour type. This project will also help halve the harm caused by brain tumours by gathering information on a person’s quality of life.
This research hopes to drive change for people with clinically aggressive meningiomas, for whom treatment options are currently limited.
Milestones
Achieved
- The researchers have collected 490 tumour samples from people with CAMs and are in the process of analysing the changes to DNA and its structure.
- Based on preliminary data, the team have built a tool that helps predict the risk of tumour regrowth after surgery.
- They’ve presented their research at various neurosurgical and neuro-oncology conferences.
Upcoming
- Dr Zadeh and her team will continue analysing the tumour samples and will validate their findings before translating their work to pre-clinical models.