Brain Tumour Research attended the Medical Research Showcase at the Welsh Parliament this week to raise awareness of the disease and call on politicians to make research into brain tumours a priority .
On Tuesday 23rd September, we were joined by our researchers from a Brain Tumour Research-funded initiative based at Cardiff University. Led by Doctor Ben Newland (below left), whose work we have supported for close to three years, the 'super sponge' project demonstrates the innovative work we are helping to drive forward in Wales.
The event was a valuable opportunity to engage with Members of the Senedd (MSs), to raise awareness of the challenges facing brain tumour patients, and to showcase the game-changing research we support. Furthermore, it also allowed the team to reinforce our policy priorities, build new relationships, and grow our network of political champions committed to improving outcomes for Welsh brain tumour patients.
Dr Newland’s research, in partnership with Brain Tumour Research and the Medical Research Council (MRC), focuses on developing soft, sponge-like materials called cryogels. These are loaded with repurposed drugs and placed in the cavity left after surgery, enabling direct drug delivery past the blood-brain barrier.
We were also heartened by the enthusiasm shown by Peter Fox MS, Mike Hedges MS, Russell George MS and John Griffiths MS, who voiced strong support for our aims, and recognised the urgency of the challenges facing patients.
The event provided an opportunity to highlight our key policy asks:
- Increase access to brain tumour clinical trials in Wales
- Improve awareness and infrastructure around trial opportunities
- Address cross-border access challenges to ensure Welsh patients are not disadvantaged when seeking trials in England
- Increase investment in research to bring Wales to the forefront of innovation
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr Newland said: “It was a pleasure to return to the Senedd to share the progress my team and I have made, thanks to the invaluable support from Brain Tumour Research. I’m grateful for the strong engagement shown by Members yesterday, and I look forward to building on this momentum with Brain Tumour Research to ensure a strong case is made for increased investment in research for Welsh patients and for improving access to clinical trials.”
Read more about our work in Wales and get involved here.
Related reading:
