Project Overview:
This project aims to prospectively study the surgical neuro-oncology epidemiology of brain
tumors in Pakistan, focusing on socio-demographics, disease burden, and treatment paradigms
across major tertiary care centers. Currently, the study is being conducted at seven sites
nationwide. As part of the initiative, we are collecting tumor and blood samples from enrolled
patients to establish Pakistan’s first national brain tumor biobank. This unique repository will
support advanced molecular analyses and contribute to the development of non-invasive
diagnostic tools in the future.
The multi-disciplinary nature of the study nurtured collaborations between multiple disciplines,
including clinical, molecular, and public health. Notably, the partnership with the Institute of
Global Health and Development (IGHD) has significantly enhanced the project, thanks to its
expertise in public health research.
Following a robust planning phase of 10 months, patient enrollment began in May 2025 across
all sites in Pakistan, marking a major milestone for the study. We aim to actively enroll the
patients during the first year of the study, followed by two and a half years of follow-up.
Prospective studies inherently come with logistical and administrative challenges due to the
complexity of their operations. Over the past few months, our team has expanded and is working
together seamlessly to ensure the smooth progress of the project, functioning like a well-oiled
machine. We are deeply grateful to our patients for their cooperation and participation in this
important study.