UP researchers are making today matter by developing non-invasive techniques to detect brain tumours and make earlier diagnoses, which often lead to better outcomes. Source: Shutterstock.
News — Brain tumours are one of the most formidable challenges in modern medicine: they are difficult to diagnose and expensive to treat, with the best predictor of outcome still being early diagnosis. But what if the eye could be used as the “window to the brain” to extract critical information about pressure on the brain to make an earlier diagnosis and improve the outcomes of this life-threatening condition?
Such a “thermometer of the brain” would be inexpensive, minimally invasive and could provide vital early diagnosis. The at the University of Pretoria (BTC@UP), the first of its kind in the country, has developed a state-of-the art Neuro-Ophthalmology Laboratory for assessing the accuracy of various diagnostic methods. These include ultrasound, infra-red pupillometry and optical coherence tomography to view the brain through the eye, and determine pressure and other conditions within the brain.
“Convenient point-of-care diagnosis (literally at the bedside, or in rural clinics) will address the issue of late diagnosis, and brings high-end care to underserved communities,” says , Head of the Department of Neurosurgery. “The focus of our research at the Neuro-Ophthalmology Laboratory is to develop and refine these non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Brain tumours present numerous challenges, including late diagnosis, limited access to advanced imaging and molecular testing, and a shortage of trained neurosurgeons, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These obstacles often result in suboptimal patient management and poor outcomes.”
This research into exploring the role of the eye and optic pathway as a mechanism for non-invasively assessing brain pressure is one of many projects at the centre to improve outcomes for people living with brain tumours.
The burden of brain tumours
In Africa, the overall incidence of central nervous system tumours, both benign and malignant, was estimated at about 227 per 100 000 between 1960 to 2017. About one neurosurgeon per 4 million people is available on the African continent to address this burden, falling far short of the ’s recommended ratio of one per 200 000 people.
Given the large population of Africa, the total number of reported cases may be underestimated when compared with other continents due to the lack of a central brain tumour registry in Africa.
To address these challenges, the centre conducts research in :
- The Early Detection and Epidemiology group aims to build a comprehensive database of brain tumour patients to validate local and regional data, and to develop screening and point-of-care tools, such as ultrasound and optical coherence tomography, to enhance early brain tumour detection.
- The Surgical, Adjunctive and Neurorehabilitation group focuses on safe, effective brain tumour resection using advanced techniques, and emphasises the positive impact of neurorehabilitation.
- The Translational Neurosciences group studies chemical, molecular and anatomical pathology markers as well as imaging and mathematical modelling-based biomarkers.
“Our transdisciplinary research approach addresses a major global health challenge by enhancing the early detection and treatment of brain tumours to reduce mortality and improve patients’ quality of life, especially in developing countries,” Prof Padayachy says. “We aim to overcome barriers to effective management, including shortages of trained professionals, inadequate diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and the lack of coordinated care. Our work also advances global knowledge, informing practices and shaping future research with scalable, sustainable interventions for worldwide implementation.”
While other projects may focus on isolated aspects of brain tumour care, the centre’s work integrates multiple disciplines to address the full spectrum of challenges associated with this condition.
“Our holistic approach sets our work apart, holding great promise for the future,” Prof Padayachy says.
This story was originally featured in the . Check out of the magazine, which details some of our work, from advancing the field of wound care to understanding supermassive black holes.
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