Hello everyone,
It has been a busy and exciting week here at Brain Tumour Research with the launch of our new Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham. Backed by a £2.6 million investment from our charity, this funding will support a world-first research programme focused on advancing our understanding of glioblastoma.
By combining advanced brain imaging, genomic analysis and artificial intelligence, researchers will work to identify the earliest signs of tumour recurrence and uncover potential new drug targets. This research aims to support earlier, more personalised approaches to treatment for patients who currently face an average prognosis of just 12 to 18 months. We look forward to following the progress of this important work as we continue to support research into glioblastoma.
As January draws to a close, we look to our next All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours taking place on 10th February at 6pm in the Thatcher Room, Portcullis House. This meeting offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the three co-leads of the NIHR Brain Tumour Consortium. If you would like to explore specific aspects of the consortium in more detail, please send your questions in advance to jana.abdalrahman@braintumourresearch.org.
If you have not yet asked your MP to join the upcoming meeting, please do get in touch with them this weekend. You can find a template email here and please remember to cc jana.abdalrahman@braintumourresearch.org into your email.
We’re also pleased to share that the Chair of our APPG, Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP, has secured a backbench debate on increasing survival rates for brain tumours. The debate will take place on 9th February. We’re calling on all supporters to contact their local MP and share their personal stories. These voices are essential in ensuring MPs are informed and motivated to speak during the debate. This is a great opportunity to make the case for increased investment in research into brain tumours.
Finally, a reminder to please support the Brain Cancer Justice petition calling for increased funding for brain cancer research which closes on 6th March. This petition represents an important opportunity to raise awareness of the longstanding lack of funding in this area, and to build further momentum alongside charities and campaigners working for change.
Karen, Hugh, Katherine and Jana.
