New Research Centre dedicated to glioblastoma launches

Atiyah Wazir 5 min read

Brain Tumour Research has launched a new Centre of Excellence at The University of Nottingham. 

Patients and their families joined politicians, civic dignitaries and scientists at the event on 28th January. They welcomed our commitment to fund this Centre with £2.6 million over the next five years, to enable research into glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer with an average prognosis of just 12 to 18 months. 

 

Watch a video about research at the University of Nottingham


Professor Ruman Rahman, Principal Investigator at the Nottingham Centre of Excellence, from the School of Medicine at the University, said: “Glioblastoma is a hugely aggressive cancer that devastates lives. We need to change the story for patients. Through this Centre, and working closely with the NHS, we will combine advanced brain imaging that goes beyond routine scans with detailed genomic analysis to pinpoint the earliest biological signs that glioblastoma is returning. Our goal is to identify personalised drug treatments to improve survival and quality of life.”

Among those attending the launch was 29-year-old Rhiannon Ashbourne, who has undergone extensive treatment following her diagnosis with an inoperable glioblastoma last year.

She said: “Research like this is so important to find better treatments and, one day, a cure. This new centre gives me real hope, not only for myself, but for others who are facing this fight.”

Rhiannon on holiday 

Also in attendance was fitness influencer Shane Crommer, 35, from Nottingham. He is currently facing the fight of his life after he was diagnosed last year with a rare and aggressive brain tumour. He first experienced months of fatigue, headaches and double vision before scans and a biopsy at Queen’s Medical Centre revealed multiple tumours across his brain. 

Shane with his son Elijah

Shane, a father of one, said: “Before my diagnosis, life was busy in a good way. I was raising my 20-month-old son with my now wife, and working in an industry built around health and fitness, so being told I had a brain tumour came as a complete shock. 

“Since then, I’ve had radiotherapy and I’m now being assessed for a clinical trial, but the reality is that treatment options for brain tumours like mine are limited. That’s why the opening of this new research centre in Nottingham means so much. Knowing there are scientists working here to better understand brain tumours and to develop more personalised treatments gives me hope, not just for myself, but for other families who may face this devastating diagnosis in the future.” 

Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet, to date, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002. 

Dan Knowles (left) pictured with Veronica Pickering, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottingham, and our Chair of Trustees, Rob Hughes

Our CEO Dan Knowles said: “Seeing patients, families, researchers and supporters come together for the launch of the Nottingham Centre of Excellence is incredibly powerful. This Centre represents exactly what our supporters’ fundraising makes possible, world-class research with a clear focus on improving outcomes for patients. 

“We are bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real patient benefit. The Nottingham Centre strengthens our national network and brings us closer to our ultimate goal of finding a cure for all brain tumours.” 

Launching our new Research Centre is only possible thanks to supporters like you. To support our work in Nottingham, please donate what you can today or set up a regular donation. Together we will find a cure.

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Atiyah Wazir, Communications Officer
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