Mini Brains: Generation of a Multi-Lineage Glioblastoma Model

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumour in adults. GBM rapidly multiplies and can extensively spread to other healthy areas of the brain, making it very difficult to treat. Even following treatment (typically surgery where possible, otherwise radio/chemotherapy) GBM has a very poor prognosis - tumour recurrence is common and typical survival of around 15 months after diagnosis.

The tumour microenvironment (TME) is the name given to the non-cancerous cells and tissue in and around a tumour that support the survival and growth of the cancer. In GBM, the TME is dynamic and complex, having a profound effect on tumour aggressiveness and treatment response. Understanding the interactions between GBM and its TME is key to improving treatments.

Most of the available models to study GBM do not reflect the clinical scenario. In this project, the team are using stem cell technology to create brain organoids (or "mini brains") derived from cells taken from GBM patients, to generate a model for future research. Over the project, they will use this model to study how GBM interacts with its TME, in particular exploring the role of the immune system. 

The end goal of this work is to create the most realistic model of GBM and its TME, to allow the testing of new drugs and to facilitate future brain tumour research.