Clatterbridge leads the way with research into new treatment for brain cancer

Clatterbridge is trailblazing a new treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer.

It is the first research site in the UK to open and recruit a patient to the international Gliofocus study, a major clinical trial which aims to improve outcomes for people with glioblastoma, a fast-growing type of brain cancer.

The research is taking place at sites across the world, and 450 participants are due to be recruited, with three patients now signed up at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC).

“It is a huge achievement for our team to enrol the first patient in the UK on to this study,” said Dr Shaveta Mehta, the study’s Principal Investigator at CCC. “Glioblastoma is a devastating diagnosis and there is a real need for better treatments, especially for those whose tumours are less likely to respond to standard therapies. Clinical trials are vital in developing new treatments for glioblastoma patients.”

The study is researching if a therapy called niraparib can improve outcomes for patients compared to the current standard of care, temozolomide, in adults with newly diagnosed MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma. These patients have little benefit from chemotherapy such as temozolomide.

The study’s primary objectives are to compare the outcomes for patients between the two arms of the trial, and safety, tolerability, and quality of life for patients will also be analysed.

“This trial offers an opportunity for MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma patients to access the latest research that has the potential to change the standard treatment and improve outcomes in the future,” explained Dr Mehta.

Dr Gillian Heap, Director of Research and Innovation Operations at CCC, said:

“It is fantastic news that we are the leading site in the UK for this study, and I would like to thank Dr Mehta and Advanced Research Practitioner Pembe Yesildag, and their team, for the hard work in setting this up.

“This study marks a significant step forward for brain cancer research in the UK and will hopefully offer new hope for patients facing one of the most challenging cancer diagnoses.

“The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is one of the leading NHS research sites in the UK and is a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for brain cancers. Our portfolio of clinical trials is expanding and the number of our patients who can access these new treatments is increasing. This should be a source of optimism for people with cancer and their families across Cheshire and Merseyside.”

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