The news that research funded by Brain Tumour Research could see a breakthrough in the way that children with medulloblastoma are treated in the future is being welcomed by families affected by the disease.
Professor Silvia Marino and her team at our Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London have found a new way to starve cancerous brain tumour cells of energy in order to prevent further growth. You can read about the exciting research in our recent news post here.
Amongst those welcoming the news is the family of Ollie Gardiner, who died from a medulloblastoma in November 2017, aged 13. Ollie’s mum Jane shared what the breakthrough means to her family in this powerful interview with BBC South Today.
Credit: BBC South Today
Leah Martin (pictured) was just two when she was diagnosed with a high-grade medulloblastoma. Several operations, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have left Leah with long-term side effects including problems with her speech and mobility.
Her mum Joanne, who set up the Leah’s Fairy Fund Fundraising Group, said: “Having witnessed the horrendous journey Leah has experienced over the years and knowing she has to contend with long-term effects, we welcome any developments which could lead to more effective and less barbaric treatments. This research news fills us with hope for children in the future diagnosed with brain tumours and particularly medulloblastoma.”
Also welcoming the news is Nigel Boutwood, a Trustee of Brain Tumour Research and Chairman of our Member Charity, Charlie’s Challenge, which has raised more than £1,000,000 to help fund research into children’s brain tumours. Nigel’s son Charlie was fortunate to win his fight with a high-grade medulloblastoma in 1994.
He said: “This childhood cancer breakthrough will bring hope to many families affected. Charlie’s Challenge is proud to have played its part in funding research into paediatric brain tumour research.”
Click here to find out more about the research from our QMUL Centre.
Related reading:
If you found this story interesting or helpful, sign up to our weekly e-news and keep up to date with all the latest from Brain Tumour Research.