Neuropathology

About our Laboratory

We work from the ground up, studying the molecular and cellular basis of brain tumours and neurodegenerative disease. Through increased understanding of these diseases we are able to develop new and effective treatments.

Our extensive expertise in diseases of the nervous system (neuropathology) allows us to analyse the molecular and cellular basis of neurological diseases, including brain tumours and neurodegenerative conditions.

In doing so, we can identify new ways of diagnosing these disorders early on, when the disease first manifests. This means patients can benefit from the most effective interventions available as early as possible. By increasing our knowledge of the underlying basis of these diseases, we can help progress the development of new and more effective treatments.

Our Services

Our research program is part of the Royal Prince Alfred Department of Neuropathology, the only neuropathology department in New South Wales to provide specialist diagnostic expertise including:

• tissue-based diagnostic services for the hospital
• a second opinion service for complex cases
• molecular testing services for brain tumours
• NSW state referral laboratory for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) diagnosis
• autopsy neuropathology

To this end, we are working to develop new blood tests to detect major diseases early on, including brain tumours and multiple sclerosis. We are also investigating brain tumour tissue to learn more about its complex genetic makeup, and how brain tumours manipulate their surroundings in order to grow.

We work closely with RPA neurologists within the Neurology Laboratory to provide comprehensive diagnostic expertise in muscle biopsy interpretation.

Please visit the Neurology Laboratory page for information about our neurology lab services.

The Australian Sports Brain Bank

Our laboratory maintains the Australian Sports Brain Bank. The ASBB’s mission is to use expert diagnostic neuropathology, coupled with research, to understand chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other brain pathology that is associated with repetitive head injury in sport. We empower families and loved ones by providing accurate diagnoses, and we use donor tissue to facilitate research into CTE and other brain disorders.

For more information on the ASBB or for an information pack detailing how to donate your brain, click here.