Brain Tumour UK Neuro-oncology Research Centre

We've established the dedicated Brain Tumour UK Neuro-Oncology Research Centre to lead the way in identifying the genetic causes of brain tumours and the treatments to deal with them.

Around 8,500 people will develop a brain tumour in the UK this year. Many of these will be malignant and respond poorly to therapy. Spending on brain tumour research is significantly lower than on many other types of cancer and this undoubtedly has hindered the development of new, effective treatments.

The Centre

The Brain Tumour UK Neuro-oncology Research Centre at the University of Wolverhampton was established in October 2009.

It brought together two research groups

• one, at the University of Wolverhampton, directed by Professor John Darling and
• a research group formerly at the Institute of Neurology, University College London directed by Dr Tracy Warr.

These two groups have complementary skills in cell biology and molecular genetics and a shared interest in experimental therapeutics.

The investment from Brain Tumour UK is allowing these two groups to develop new medicines for brain tumours based on a greater understanding of their fundamental biology.

Find out more about the centre at Brain Tumour UK

Aims

The aims of the Research Centre are to:

• understand the genetic mechanisms that drive tumour development;
• identify predictive markers of clinical outcome, including malignant progression, recurrence, response to therapy and overall  survival;
• understand the molecular basis of drug resistance in these tumours;
• identify new targets and develop new drugs that can improve survival.

A number of other scientists at the University of Wolverhampton collaborate with the Neuro-oncology Research Centre bringing additional expertise gained in other areas of cancer research to combat these devastating tumours.