GBM METABOLISM STUDY

Why this work is important

Glioblastoma is a highly lethal disease with few treatment options

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumour in adults. The standard of care at diagnosis includes surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Little progress has been made to improve outcomes, with a median survival of 12 months from diagnosis.

One emerging strategy that differs from conventional GBM therapies is metabolic pathway targeting. At present there has yet to be any research outlining a metabolic phenotype of disease via observation of key biomarkers. To pave the way for future studies, it is key to establish what metabolic dysregulation looks like in a cohort of GBM patients to direct interventions.

About the investigators

Isabella Cooper- FnDNutr., BSc (Hons), AFHEA, AMRSB, AfENDO

Isabella majored with honours in biochemistry with medical physiology, molecular genetics, advanced cell biology, advanced cancer biology, physiological networks (neurology, endocrinology and immunology), protein and enzyme biochemistry, bioinformatics in influenza, and metabolic biochemistry. She has won multiple awards including the Faculty of Science and Technology Awards, Individual Teaching Award and Group Teaching Award for Medical Physiology, Dean’s List Awards and Biochemical Society Award.

Isabella is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Affiliate of the Endocrine Society, Affiliate of the Physiological Society and Associate Member of the Royal Society of Biology. Her PhD research is in hyperinsulinemia and ketogenic sciences, and their roles in chronic diseases associated with ageing.

Andrew Scarborough- BSc (Hons), PgCert

Andrew has a history of involvement with influential cancer research organisations alongside work with the NHS in various capacities. He has spoken on several platforms about research into metabolic therapies and has detailed his personal experiences on the potential of novel compounds to manage brain tumour related epilepsy (BTRE). Andrew has a great appreciation for science communication and works part time as an editor for the International Brain Tumour Alliance.

In 2013, while studying for a Masters degree in Nutritional Therapy at the University of Westminster, Andrew suffered a brain haemorrhage which revealed an underlying anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumour. Following this devastating diagnosis, Andrew realised there were few options to treat the disease beyond the standard of care.

Andrew’s experiences sparked an interest in investigating why brain tumours are so difficult to treat, returning to higher education to study with a focus on cancer biology. Commencing these studies with a BSc in Human and Medical Science, he gained further experience in a brain tumour research laboratory at Imperial College London, before going on to postgraduate study in Clinical Bioinformatics with the University of Manchester.

It is Andrew’s belief that this landmark study could pave the way for future investigation of emerging treatments, clinical trials and evidence-based research targeting metabolic defects in cancer. Moreover, results of such a study could help to empower patients and provide us all with promise for a better future.