Establishing a
non-invasive approach to accurately diagnose and assess brain tumors (Canadian Cancer Society)

2023-2027

Gliomas and glioblastomas are 2 of the most challenging brain tumours to treat, with very poor survival rates. Most tumours are diagnosed using imaging technology and biopsies, but a lack of biomarkers to support the analysis of these tumours mean these methods are unable to facilitate early diagnosis, predict response to treatment, or predict the likelihood of recurrence and progression. This project aims to establish a blood-based, sensitive approach to detect brain tumours earlier, improve treatment and advance care for people with brain cancer.

Why Mathematics?

Advanced image analysis using mathematical algorithms can provide complementary information to be incorporated in the classifiers/diagnosis methods based on the circulating DNA markers. Also advanced AI and new mathematical tools can be used together with other classical bioinformatic methods to provide additional information of relevance.

The Team

The project consortium is led by Gelareh Zadeh, Federico Gaiti and Sheila Mansouri (UHN, Toronto, Canada) and counts with the participation of Kenneth Aldape (National Cancer Institute), Karolyn Au (University of Alberta), Sebastian Brandner (NHS Foundation Trust), Eric Chen (University Health Network), Daniel De Carvalho (University Health Network), Andrew Gao (University Health Network), Janic Gorayeb (Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada), Hansen He (University Health Network), Craig Horbinski (Northwestern University), Kathy Oliver (International Brain Tumour Alliance), Víctor M Pérez-García (MOLAB), Trevor Pugh (University Health Network), Susan Short (Leeds University), Bradly Wouters (University Health Network), and Stephen Yip (University of British Columbia).

Impact

This project aims to establish a blood-based, sensitive approach to detect brain tumours earlier, improve treatment and advance care for people with brain cancer. Thus, the potential clinical impact of this research project is very high and will help patients of these devastating diseases.