Abstract

OVERVIEW

The TJBM Platform Study (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/crctu/trials/brain-matrix) is a programme of work aimed at improving the knowledge of, and treatment for, glioma. We present the feasibility data collected from the initial ten UK centres.

METHOD

The UK TJBM centres completed a multi-disciplinary feasibility questionnaire to facilitate participation and collaboration across centres. Data were collected from hospital electronic board review records, clinic letters, operative and imaging notes, MDT or personal experience.

RESULTS

Work load: Between 2016-2018 service provision redistribution reflects a trend towards higher volume centres. Overall, glioma workload within ten TJBM centres has remained stable. Imaging: All TJBM centres have good access to imaging techniques and neuroradiology expertise, including relevant ‘advanced’ imaging. All have RANO capability, although not widely used clinically. Neurosurgery: All centres have access to 5 ALA, perform awake craniotomy for language assessment and motor/sensory mapping are typically performed asleep, with subtle variation in techniques. Pathology: Despite molecular analysis advances, current practice is limited to the evaluation of formalin embedded tissue by traditional morphology/ immunohistochemically staining, with limited targeted testing of specific genetic changes. Clinical oncology: Oncology treatments for glioma were as per NICE guidance with some minor local variation. A relative lack of linking treatments to detailed clinical, treatment, toxicity, and quality of life data making communication of significance of findings to patients challenging.

CONCLUSION

Through systematic real-world data collection the TJBM platform study will provide a detailed understanding of practice within the UK, linked to molecular tumour genotype, treatment response outcome measures, and regular quality of life assessments. This infrastructure will help establish a trial-competent network for future collaborative research. Academic and industry partners will be able to use the TJBM platform through collaboration, overseen by a strong governance framework. This will maximise the opportunities and abilities to translate advances into trials and patient benefit.

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