This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.
Plain English summary as of 02/01/2024:
Background and study aims Gliomas, a type of brain tumour, are the most common primary tumour of the central nervous system (CNS) and in 2016 there were 5250 deaths from brain tumours in the UK. However, brain tumours are a challenging disease to treat. The tumour’s location within the brain and its tendency to grow into nearby brain tissue often make it very difficult to remove the tumour completely with surgery. There is also difficulty in delivering drugs in adequate amounts to the tumour due to the natural defences of the brain. Brain tumours arise due to changes in the DNA and other molecules in cells of the brain. Different types of gliomas can have different changes and these can be used to determine a precise ‘molecular diagnosis’. The ultimate goal for the Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is to learn how to use these molecular changes to more precisely determine what exact type of tumour patients have, and to identify, decide and test whether specific ‘targeted’ treatments could improve the survival and/or quality of life of patients with brain tumours. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is a programme of work, the principal purpose of which is to improve the knowledge of, and treatment for, glioma. The programme will include a Platform Study and subsequent interventional clinical trials. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX Platform Study forms the backbone of this programme. In the Platform Study, the aim is to develop the infrastructure to provide rapid and accurate molecular diagnosis and the infrastructure to deliver clinical trials of new therapies in the future, thereby improving clinical outcomes in brain tumours. The researchers aim to recruit 1,000 patients to the study. As gliomas occur at all ages and their specific subtype is hard to predict pre-operatively, the patient population eligible for the study is broad. A large network of clinical hubs across the UK, with expertise in managing patients with brain tumours, will be developed. Once established this infrastructure will facilitate the rapid introduction of clinical trials testing targeted therapies tailored to the genetic changes of an individual’s tumour.
Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.
The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:
24 Nov 202028 Feb 2026
Publications
2022 Protocol article in http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067123 (added 27/09/2022)
Eligible patients will either have had or be about to have surgery for their tumour. As part of this study, tumour removed during the operation will be analysed to look for specific molecular changes. As with normal standard care, the tumour will be analysed by a local pathologist. A small part will be sent for review by experts and advanced molecular analysis will be undertaken to get a detailed understanding of the DNA/molecular changes within the patient’s tumour. These results will be fed back to the patient’s treating doctor. It is intended that this will occur within 28 days; however, it may be longer while the study becomes fully operational. If samples are available from a patient’s previous surgery on their tumour, these may also be analysed. Similarly, if available, other relevant samples such as cerebrospinal fluid, collected as part of their care, may also be analysed. In addition, as technologies and analyses improve the understanding of brain tumours, the researchers may find important results at a later date. These will be fed back to the patient’s doctor. Patients will also be asked to give a blood sample, which will also be analysed to look at the molecular features, including their DNA. This is required to identify what ‘new’ changes have occurred in the patient’s tumour. Following surgery, patients will continue with other treatment(s) as directed by their doctor. Treatment generally involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As is standard practice, patients will be closely monitored for signs of disease progression and the effects of the treatment given. As part of this study, information on patients’ treatments and disease will be collected. Images from brain scans patients undergo, along with relevant clinical information, will also be sent to and stored by the University of Edinburgh, and where appropriate, undergo expert review by a panel of radiologists with expertise in brain tumours. If patients have further surgery, some of the tissue removed may also be analysed.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The researchers want to try and improve the outcome for patients with glioma and believe that providing this standardised platform may improve outcomes in, and options for, patients. However, it is possible that this may not show any benefit over the current UK standard practice.
Where is the study run from? Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? March 2019 to March 2027, with recruitment ending in March 2026
Who is funding the study? The Brain Tumour Charity (UK)
Who is the main contact? Mr Rhys Mant brainmatrix@trials.bham.ac.uk
_____ Previous plain English summary as of 07/01/2021:
Background and study aims Gliomas, a type of brain tumour, are the most common primary tumour of the central nervous system (CNS) and in 2016 there were 5250 deaths from brain tumours in the UK. However, brain tumours are a challenging disease to treat. The tumour’s location within the brain and its tendency to grow into nearby brain tissue often make it very difficult to remove the tumour completely with surgery. There is also difficulty in delivering drugs in adequate amounts to the tumour due to the natural defences of the brain. Brain tumours arise due to changes in the DNA and other molecules in cells of the brain. Different types of gliomas can have different changes and these can be used to determine a precise ‘molecular diagnosis’. The ultimate goal for the Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is to learn how to use these molecular changes to more precisely determine what exact type of tumour patients have, and to identify, decide and test whether specific ‘targeted’ treatments could improve the survival and/or quality of life of patients with brain tumours. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is a programme of work, the principal purpose of which is to improve the knowledge of, and treatment for, glioma. The programme will include a Platform Study and subsequent interventional clinical trials. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX Platform Study forms the backbone of this programme. In the Platform Study, the aim is to develop the infrastructure to provide rapid and accurate molecular diagnosis and the infrastructure to deliver clinical trials of new therapies in the future, thereby improving clinical outcomes in brain tumours. The researchers aim to recruit 1,000 patients to the study. As gliomas occur at all ages and their specific subtype is hard to predict pre-operatively, the patient population eligible for the study is broad. A large network of clinical hubs across the UK, with expertise in managing patients with brain tumours, will be developed. Once established this infrastructure will facilitate the rapid introduction of clinical trials testing targeted therapies tailored to the genetic changes of an individual’s tumour.
Who can participate? Any patient aged over 16 with newly diagnosed suspected WHO Grade 2-4 glioma, (as evidenced radiologically) AND suitable for a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure resulting in a tumour sample matched to a blood sample. Patients with progression with known WHO Grade 2-4 glioma (those with available frozen tumour) will be prioritised for detailed genomic analysis).
What does the study involve? Eligible patients will either have had, or be about to have, surgery for their tumour. As part of this study, tumour removed during the operation will be analysed to look for specific molecular changes. As with normal standard care, the tumour will be analysed by a local pathologist. A small part will be sent for review by experts and advanced molecular analysis will be undertaken to get a detailed understanding of the DNA/molecular changes within the patient’s tumour. These results will be fed back to the patient’s treating doctor. It is intended that this will occur within 28 days; however, it may be longer while the study becomes fully operational. If samples are available from a patient’s previous surgery to their tumour, these may also be analysed. Similarly, if available, other relevant samples such as cerebrospinal fluid, collected as part of their care, may also be analysed. In addition, as technologies and analyses improve the understanding of brain tumours, the researchers may find important results at a later date. These will be fed back to the patient’s doctor. Patients will also be asked to give a blood sample, which will also be analysed to look at the molecular features, including of their DNA. This is required to identify what ‘new’ changes have occurred in the patient’s tumour. Following surgery, patients will continue with other treatment(s) as directed by their doctor. Treatment generally involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As is standard practice, patients will be closely monitored for signs of disease progression and the effects of the treatment given. As part of this study, information on patients’ treatments and disease will be collected. Images from brain scans patients undergo, along with relevant clinical information, will also be sent to and stored by the University of Edinburgh, and where appropriate, undergo expert review by a panel of radiologists with expertise in brain tumours. If patients have further surgery, some of the tissue removed may also be analysed.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The researchers want to try and improve the outcome for patients with glioma and believe that providing this standardised platform may improve outcomes in, and options for, patients. However, it is possible that this may not show any benefit over the current UK standard practice.
Where is the study run from? Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? March 2019 to March 2025
Who is funding the study? The Brain Tumour Charity (UK)
Who is the main contact? Mr Rhys Mant brainmatrix@trials.bham.ac.uk
_____
Previous plain English summary:
Background and study aims Gliomas, a type of brain tumour, are the most common primary tumour of the central nervous system (CNS) and in 2016 there were 5250 deaths from brain tumours in the UK. However, brain tumours are a challenging disease to treat. The tumour’s location within the brain and its tendency to grow into nearby brain tissue often make it very difficult to remove the tumour completely with surgery. There is also difficulty in delivering drugs in adequate amounts to the tumour due to the natural defences of the brain. Brain tumours arise due to changes in the DNA and other molecules in cells of the brain. Different types of gliomas can have different changes and these can be used to determine a precise ‘molecular diagnosis’. The ultimate goal for the Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is to learn how to use these molecular changes to more precisely determine what exact type of tumour patients have, and to identify, decide and test whether specific ‘targeted’ treatments could improve the survival and/or quality of life of patients with brain tumours. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is a programme of work, the principal purpose of which is to improve the knowledge of, and treatment for, glioma. The programme will include a Platform Study and subsequent interventional clinical trials. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX Platform Study forms the backbone of this programme. In the Platform Study, the aim is to develop the infrastructure to provide rapid and accurate molecular diagnosis and the infrastructure to deliver clinical trials of new therapies in the future, thereby improving clinical outcomes in brain tumours. The researchers aim to recruit 1,000 patients to the study. As gliomas occur at all ages and their specific subtype is hard to predict pre-operatively, the patient population eligible for the study is broad. A large network of clinical hubs across the UK, with expertise in managing patients with brain tumours, will be developed. Once established this infrastructure will facilitate the rapid introduction of clinical trials testing targeted therapies tailored to the genetic changes of an individual’s tumour.
Who can participate? Any patient aged over 16 with newly diagnosed suspected glioma, (as evidenced radiologically) AND suitable for a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure resulting in a tumour sample matched to a blood sample. Patients with progression with known Grade 2-4 glioma (those with available frozen tumour) will be prioritised for detailed genomic analysis.
What does the study involve? Eligible patients will either have had, or be about to have, surgery for their tumour. As part of this study, tumour removed during the operation will be analysed to look for specific molecular changes. As with normal standard care, the tumour will be analysed by a local pathologist. A small part will be sent for review by experts and advanced molecular analysis will be undertaken to get a detailed understanding of the DNA/molecular changes within the patient’s tumour. These results will be fed back to the patient’s treating doctor. It is intended that this will occur within 28 days; however, it may be longer while the study becomes fully operational. If samples are available from a patient’s previous surgery to their tumour, these may also be analysed. Similarly, if available, other relevant samples such as cerebrospinal fluid, collected as part of their care, may also be analysed. In addition, as technologies and analyses improve the understanding of brain tumours, the researchers may find important results at a later date. These will be fed back to the patient’s doctor. Patients will also be asked to give a blood sample, which will also be analysed to look at the molecular features, including of their DNA. This is required to identify what ‘new’ changes have occurred in the patient’s tumour. Following surgery, patients will continue with other treatment(s) as directed by their doctor. Treatment generally involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As is standard practice, patients will be closely monitored for signs of disease progression and the effects of the treatment given. As part of this study, information on patients’ treatments and disease will be collected. Images from brain scans patients undergo, along with relevant clinical information, will also be sent to and stored by the University of Edinburgh, and where appropriate, undergo expert review by a panel of radiologists with expertise in brain tumours. If patients have further surgery, some of the tissue removed may also be analysed.
Any patient aged over 16 years with newly diagnosed suspected WHO Grade 2-4 glioma, (as evidenced radiologically) AND suitable for a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure resulting in a tumour sample matched to a blood sample. Patients with progression with known WHO Grade 2-4 glioma (those with available frozen tumour) will be prioritised for detailed genomic analysis).
Any patient aged over 16 with newly diagnosed suspected WHO Grade 2-4 glioma, (as evidenced radiologically) AND suitable for a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure resulting in a tumour sample matched to a blood sample. Patients with progression with known WHO Grade 2-4 glioma (those with available frozen tumour) will be prioritised for detailed genomic analysis).
Any patient aged over 16 with newly diagnosed suspected glioma, (as evidenced radiologically) AND suitable for a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure resulting in a tumour sample matched to a blood sample. Patients with progression with known Grade 2-4 glioma (those with available frozen tumour) will be prioritised for detailed genomic analysis.
You can take part if:
Current inclusion criteria as of 03/01/2024: 1. Any patient ≥16 years 2. Newly diagnosed suspected WHO Grade 2-4 glioma, (as evidenced radiologically) AND suitable for a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure resulting in a tumour sample matched to a blood sample 3. Patients with progression with known WHO Grade 2-4 glioma (those with available frozen tumour will be prioritised for detailed genomic analysis) 4. Valid written informed consent for the st
You may not be able to take part if:
1. Primary spinal cord tumours2. Active treatment of other malignancy3. Contraindication to MRI4. Patients without standard of care imaging available (added 07/01/2021)
Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
NHS Lothian
51 Little France Crescent
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
High Heaton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN
Charing Cross Hospital
Fulham Palace Road
London
W6 8RF
John Radcliffe Hospital
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Headley Way
Headington
Oxford
OX3 9DU
King's College Hospital
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
Queen's Medical Centre
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Derby Road
Nottingham
NG7 2UH
The Christie
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Wilmslow Road
Manchester
M20 4BX
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (lead centre)
University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Mindelsohn Way
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2WB
Western General Hospital
NHS Lothian
Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF
St James's University Hospital
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Beckett St
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Salford Royal Hospital
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD
The Walton Centre
Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Lower Lane
Fazakerley
Liverpool
L9 7LJ
The researchers want to try and improve the outcome for patients with glioma and believe that providing this standardised platform may improve outcomes in, and options for, patients. However, it is possible that this may not show any benefit over the current UK standard practice. The researchers want to try and improve the outcome for patients with glioma and believe that providing this standardised platform may improve outcomes in, and options for, patients. However, it is possible that this may not show any benefit over the current UK standard practice. The researchers want to try and improve the outcome for patients with glioma and believe that providing this standardised platform may improve outcomes in, and options for, patients. However, it is possible that this may not show any benefit over the current UK standard practice.
