My research group is interested in using advanced MRI and PET imaging to study the area around brain tumours with a view to developing improved methods of local control of gliomas. In this 'peritumoural area' is tumour invasion into areas of normal, functioning brain. My work has two main themes i) using imaging to identify occult tumour invasion and predict the site where tumours will progress. This is currently being explored as part of the multi centre CRUK funded PRaM-GBM study that I am leading. The aim would be to aid planning of both radiotherapy and surgery. ii) Understanding the effect of treatments on the local surrounding brain. Most of this is to understand the effect of surgery on the surrounding brain to understand what structures need avoiding to prevent neurological deficits. I am also interested in the effect of radiotherapy on normal brain and am leading a national initiative to study this. This work involves both imaging white matter (DTI) and brain networks using resting state fMRI. We are particularly interested in visual and cognitive deficits and the impact these have on quality of life.

My other interest developed as part of a NIHR CLAHRC Fellowship involves the barriers with getting research into clinical practice and the impact that has allowing innovation lead improved patient benefit.