Patient Tissue Engineered System to Study Glioblastoma (GBM)
The purpose of this research is to study high-grade glioma cancer by making experimental cultures with tumor cells from 45 participants in conjunction with other normal brain cells rather than in isolation, and comparing the responses of the cultures to the patient’s outcome to determine if th...
About
Most studies of glioblastoma have focused on tumor cells in isolation from the brain environment. To improve our experiments and the relevance of our results, we have pioneered the tumor microenvironment (TME), a physiologically relevant system in which we make our experimental cultures with tumor cells in conjunction with other normal brain cells. This recreates the way the tumor cells and normal brain cells interact.
Protocol Description
In this study, will collect brain tumor tissues that would otherwise be discarded from 45 patients who are having surgery as part of their treatment for GBM. We will generate TME cultures with cells isolated from the patient tissues, then treat them mimicking the standard-of-care treatment that patients receive. We will measure the response of the TME cultures (tumor cell migration and cell death) and compare the treatment-induced changes in the cultures with the course and outcome of the patient’s disease.
By comparing the responses of the TME cultures to the patient’s outcome, we will determine if our TME culture system will be able to predict the patient's response to treatment.
At the conclusion of this study, we will have the data and information needed to propose a clinical trial in which we would set up our patient TME cultures, treat with standard-of-care and provide the results to the treating physicians so that they can consider altering the patient’s treatment with hopes of improving patient outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Age 18-100
- Diagnosis of high-grade glioma or presumed high-grade glioma
- Undergoing surgical resection or biopsy of tumor
Exclusion Criteria
- Age < 18
- Pregnant patients; standard of care pregnancy testing will be performed
Primary Investigator
Mark Witcher M.D., Ph.D., completed his medical education and training with a focus in neuroscience, as well as neurosurgery residency and fellowship in functional neurosurgery. He was fortunate to train under mentors focused on translational neuroscience—integrating neurosurgical research into clinical neurosurgical practice—and Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery provides an incredible opportunity to continue the tradition.
Dr. Witcher specializes in helping patients with functional neurosurgical issues. He has dedicated many years to studying electrical signaling in the brain to better understand the neuron behaviors that cause tremors, seizures, movement disorders, pain, weakness, sensory symptoms and blackouts.
Contact Information
Jordan Darden, Ph.D.
Director of Neurosurgery Research
Austin Hoggarth, M.D.
Sub-Investigator
