Brain Tumour Research has given £2.8 million to researchers focused on accelerating and testing new treatments for low-grade brain tumours.
The Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth is a hub for world-leading research into low-grade tumours including low-grade glioma, meningioma, and schwannoma.
There are currently limited treatment options for these types of tumours beyond surgery and radiotherapy, both of which come with many side effects. The five-year funding support will enable scientists to deepen their understanding of how these tumours develop and translate that knowledge into life-changing therapies.
The new investment builds on a partnership between the new city based charity and the University of Plymouth. This work will be led by David Parkinson (pictured), Professor of Neuroscience at the University and the newly appointed Director of the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. Under his leadership, the Centre will continue bringing together scientists, clinicians, and experts from multiple disciplines to improve outcomes for patients and offer renewed hope to families affected by brain tumours.
“It is an honour to lead the Plymouth Centre into this exciting new chapter,” said Professor Parkinson, “This investment from Brain Tumour Research will allow us to build on the world-class foundation established here over the last 10 years and accelerate progress towards much-needed treatments for low-grade brain tumours. By working across disciplines and focusing on translating discoveries from the lab to the clinic, we aim to make a real difference to patients and their families.”
More than 100,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with a brain tumour or the long-term impact of their diagnosis, yet research into the disease has been chronically underfunded.
Dan Knowles, CEO at Brain Tumour Research, said: “This £2.8 million funding from Brain Tumour Research secures the future of our Centre of Excellence at Plymouth, allowing our scientists to continue their world-leading work into the causes, prevention, and treatment of brain tumours. Sustained, long-term funding like this is essential if we are to make the breakthroughs that will ultimately lead to better treatments and, we hope, a cure.
For more information and to donate visit braintumourresearch.org
