Neuro-Oncology Digital & Emerging technology Network (NODEN)
NODEN is an attempt to bring together technology developers, clinicians, patients and clinical trialists to address key questions around the use of digital technologies in patients with brain tumours.
Brain tumours are the largest cause of cancer death in the under-40s, and have the highest number of years of life lost of any cancer. There have also been very few developments in treatment over the last 20 years, and they are the major focus of research across the Government and charities, both in the UK and beyond.
Much of the focus of research is on novel therapeutics, which is understandable, but brain tumours have particular challenges, and clinical context, that make them particularly suitable for digital approaches:
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Tissue access is difficult, and so remote/ AI-based monitoring and interpretation of imaging offers a huge opportunity.
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Due to their location, the presence of disease can have a direct impact on functional status in brain tumour patients, which may be measurable using digital technologies.
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The brain tumour community is small, and very active, which means that patients and carers are willing to engage with research and new technologies.
NODEN offers a forum to bring together a disparate group of people, from across the UK and beyond. However, by itself, it would risk becoming a talking shop. The key thing is that NODEN links with our BrainWear 2 trial, which provides a platform for assessing these different technologies.
People who are interested in being involved in NODEN are encouraged to use the form below to register their interest; we hold occasional online meetings every 6-8 weeks, and are planning our first face-to-face meeting in March 2027 in London.