Evaluation of a novel, evidence-based immunohistochemical and molecular classification system for improved accuracy of prognostication in meningioma cases.

A2002398

Meningiomas are the most common brain tumours in adults. Symptoms include seizures, weakness, changes in sensation, headache, nausea, visual changes, and reduced consciousness. While most meningiomas are benign, a small proportion can behave malignantly by recurring or invading nearby tissues. In such cases, patients may require radiotherapy or a second operation. Traditionally, the histopathologist's opinion has been crucial in predicting the aggressiveness of these tumours, based on features like cell division rates and the overall shape and organisation of the tumour cells. However, this method has its limitations, as some tumours can behave more or less aggressively than expected.

Recent studies have highlighted potential improvements in classifying meningiomas and estimating their malignant potential. One study utilised immunohistochemistry, a tissue staining technique that highlights specific proteins within the tumour cells. Another study employed genomic sequencing to examine genetic changes in meningioma cells. Both approaches have shown promise in better predicting tumour aggressiveness compared to current methods.

With funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity, Dr Richard Digby and the team are applying these new techniques to meningiomas from patients treated at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. The goal is to determine if these methods can more accurately predict the clinical behaviour of the tumours. If successful, implementing these techniques will enable more personalised care and better identification of patients who may need further treatment.

Lead Researcher	Dr Richard Digby Academic Clinical Fellow in Histopathology ST2
Co-Researchers	Dr Arundhati Chakrabarty Dr Paul Chumas Dr Stuart Currie Dr Joshua Thomas
Host Organisation	Pathology Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Grant Amount	£34,640
Start Date	08/02/2023
Estimated Duration	23 months
Impact Areas	Innovation & Health Technologies
Tags/key notes	Early Career Researcher Cancer and neoplasms