European experts agree on a shared way to collect brain scan data for research
Original title: Harmonized Acquisition of Connectome MRI and Clinical Data for Stroke, Parkinson's Disease and Glioma: Delphi-Derived Protocol Recommendations by the European Academy of Neurology.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This looks across many earlier studies rather than running a new one.
This is experts agreeing on how to do research, not a new treatment.
The short version
Brain experts in Europe agreed on one common way to gather brain scans and health details for research.
What was studied. Experts in stroke, Parkinson's disease, and glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells, the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are given a grade from 1 to 4 describing how the tumor is expected to behave. See the glossary, a type of brain tumor, were asked to vote on 28 statements. The statements covered brain MRI scans, health results, tests of thinking skills, and study forms. The group invited 536 experts to take part.
What they found. The experts voted online in two rounds and reached at least 80% agreement on every item. In round one, 135 experts from 30 European countries voted. In round two, 173 experts from 35 countries voted.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: If research teams follow the same steps, their data can be shared and compared more easily. Over time, this could help researchers learn how the parts of the brain connect in people with brain tumors.
What it doesn't mean: This is not a new treatment or a new test for patients. It is a set of rules for how researchers should collect data. It does not change your care today, and it is not a cure.
Source: PubMed, September 1, 2026 · Read the original
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