Team of Cardiff researchers aim to make significant strides in the fight against Glioblastoma
14 January 2025
A newly awarded grant from Cancer Research Wales (CRW) and the Velindre University NHS Trust will allow researchers to make significant strides in the fight against Glioblastoma, by applying cutting-edge imaging and machine learning.
A collaboration between the Velindre Cancer Centre brain tumour team and the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) has been awarded a prestigious Cancer Research Wales (CRW) grant to conduct the MIMOSA study: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessment of tumour microstructure in Glioblastoma (GBM).
This innovative project, co-funded by the Velindre’s Advancing Radiotherapy Fund, is set to revolutionise the understanding and treatment of GBM, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Leading experts in their fields, Dr Marco Palombo (Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology and the School of Computer Science and Informatics) and Dr James Powell (Consultant Clinical Neuro-Oncologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University) will spearhead this study, which builds upon the well-established collaboration between the Velindre Cancer Centre and CUBRIC.
"This project holds immense promise in advancing our understanding of GBM and improving patient outcomes. By utilising advanced imaging techniques, we can gain insights into how GBM tumours evolve and respond to treatment at a microscopic level."
The MIMOSA study will leverage the world-leading expertise and cutting-edge brain scanners available at CUBRIC, using these advanced technologies to study patients with GBM. By employing state-of-the-art MRI techniques, the researchers aim to uncover new information about the microstructural changes within GBM tumours over the course of treatment.
"By utilising advanced imaging techniques, we can gain insights into how GBM tumours evolve and respond to treatment at a microscopic level."
Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. However, with initiatives like the MIMOSA study, there is renewed hope for improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of neuro-oncology.
"We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will allow us to further our understanding of GBM and ultimately improve patient care," said Dr Palombo.
The MIMOSA study promises to transform the landscape of GBM diagnosis, treatment and management. With the support of Cancer Research Wales and Velindre University NHS Trust as sponsor of the study, Dr Palombo, Dr Powell, and their team aim to make significant advances in the fight against this devastating disease.
