Liverpool Neurosurgery Research Group

Led by Professor Michael Jenkinson, the Liverpool Neurosurgery Research Group is international recognised for its meningioma research, having generated evidence that informs everyday clinical decision making, globally.

Our research

Our research ranges from clinical trials to systematic reviews, prognostic modelling and risk prediction. For example: 

A Clinical Tool to Identify Incidental Meningioma for Early Outpatient Management

Core Outcome Sets for Meningioma In Clinical studies (COSMIC): An international patient and healthcare professional consensus for research studies

Preclinical and translational research

Led by Rasheed Zakaria, our expanding preclinical and translational research programme focused on tumour invasion and the brain microenvironment leverages our unique clinical insights and access to tissue and CSF as practising neurosurgeons with world class facilities and partners in Liverpool and beyond.

Spinal neurosurgery research

The group recently welcomed Nish Srikandarajah, an academic spinal neurosurgeon and international expert in cauda equina syndrome, who is leading the spinal neurosurgery research programme of clinical trials and core outcome set development. 

Collaborations

We are always keen to form new partnerships. Our current collaborations include:

1. Professor Christian Ottensmeier, Translational Immunology Group - we are investigating the tumour microenvironment in glioblastoma. The group can lend significant strength to other clinical and translational neuroscience themes in Liverpool and are in the unique position to be able to access tumour, brain tissue and cerebrospinal for research.
2. Professor Sonia Rocha - how brain inflammation and hypoxia drives seizures in meningioma.
3. Professor Tobias Zech - mechanisms of brain metastasis growth and invasion.
4. Dr Colin Hammond - histone biology in primary brain tumours.
5. Dr Marco Sciacovelli - metabolic adaptations for brain colonisation in colorectal cancer metastases.

Research with impact

ROAM trial

This international randomised controlled trial involved collaboration with the EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) and TROG (Trans-Tasmin Radiation Oncology Group) to open 61 sites across 12 countries.  157 patients participated in the trial comparing radiotherapy to observation after complete resection of an atypical meningioma.  The study took 14 years to complete and will report at the European Association for Neuro-Oncology (EANO) in September 2026.  The study will define the standard of care for patients with atypical meningioma and influence NICE and international guidelines. 

IMPACT tool

A new study has shown that a clinical tool developed by the University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre can accurately predict whether the most common type of brain tumour will grow or cause symptoms, helping doctors and patients make better-informed decisions about care.