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Recent Research
YBTC fund world-class, innovative clinical research across Yorkshire. We want to find kinder treatment options for the people we support, and will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving improved health outcomes for all brain tumour patients.
Our latest research updates.
Mapping the complexity of Brain Tumours in Sheffield
At the University of Sheffield, YBTC-funded PhD student Kelsey Wosnitzka is tackling one of the biggest challenges in brain tumour treatment — the complexity that exists within a single tumour. Working with Professor Spencer Collis and Mr Ola Rominiyi, Kelsey is studying how different regions of a tumour behave and respond to treatment. By mapping samples taken during surgery onto MRI scans, the team aims to identify patterns — and ultimately find a common “Achilles’ heel” that could lead to more effective, wide-reaching therapies for glioblastoma.
Beyond the lab, Kelsey is also passionate about public engagement. She’s delivered a 12-week course on brain tumour science to local primary school pupils and completed a secondment exploring ways to improve access to advanced lab technology. Her work is part of a growing research effort in Sheffield to collaborate across sectors and accelerate the development of life-changing treatments. To read more about this research or to watch the explainer video, please click here.
Driving Discovery in Hull: YBTC-Funded Researcher Steps Up
YBTC-funded PhD student Antonia Barry has made outstanding strides in brain tumour research. In 2023 alone, she published a first-author paper in Lab on a Chip, presented her findings at national conferences, and was shortlisted for Postgraduate Research Student of the Year. Her research explored novel treatments for glioblastoma — one of the deadliest brain tumours — and showed that PRMT inhibitors can kill tumour cells while sparing healthy tissue. Antonia also helped deliver two successful research grants and mentored fellow students, highlighting her leadership within the academic community.
Beyond the lab, Antonia brought research to life through public engagement, including a series of awareness videos for Brain Tumour Month. Her work continues to influence clinical partnerships with neurosurgeons at Hull University Teaching Hospitals. We’re thrilled that from January 2024, Antonia has begun a new role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Dr Lucy Stead at St James’ Hospital, Leeds — ensuring the impact of YBTC’s support continues far into the future.
Advancing Brain Tumour Research Platforms in Leeds
In Leeds, we continued to support the development of the GlioModel — an innovative research platform designed to overcome the challenges of studying glioblastoma. By creating a more accurate and adaptable model of brain tumour biology, GlioModel enables researchers to run multiple therapeutic tests in parallel, significantly speeding up discovery. With YBTC’s support, the team has been able to refine the model and generate key preliminary data, making the project competitive for large-scale national and international funding opportunities. This progress brings us a step closer to new, effective treatments for one of the most complex and deadly brain cancers.
The Ripple Effect of Research in Leeds
Thanks to YBTC’s early support in establishing the Leeds Neuropathology Research Tissue Bank (RTB), the resource continues to drive forward life-changing research.
In 2024 alone, RTB samples have supported:
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Dxcover’s development of a blood test to detect brain tumours earlier using AI and liquid biopsy.
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A published study revealing how Natural Killer cells improve immunotherapy outcomes for brain metastases.
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SiftrBio’s work on targeted glioblastoma therapies aiming to reduce side effects and improve survival.
The bank also welcomed PhD student Joshua Winter-Luke, who is using RTB samples to explore how glioblastoma evolves and resists treatment. Our early investment continues to create lasting impact across the research community.
