Designing an immunotherapy for aggressive childhood brain tumours
Research focus: Enhancing CAR T-cell expansion and prolonged persistence for the effective treatment of paediatric medulloblastoma
Turning heartache into hope
Ellen Vance’s son, Todd, was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged seven in 2008. She tells us about the impact that hair loss had on Todd, and how, inspired by the support their own family received, she and her husband, Simon, set up their own charity to help others navigating a similar path.
“Seek out additional help and be open about how you’re feeling”
Shane Gunby was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 15 in 2012, leaving him with several long-term side effects. He explains how this has impacted him in the workplace, and what a difference proper support from employers can make to young people navigating the world of work after cancer.
How a walk-and-talk group is supporting families of children with cancer
Charlotte Hillyard’s daughter, Jess, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2023 aged three. Knowing the importance of peer-to-peer support, Charlotte and her husband, Lee, set up Walking Warriors Essex earlier this year to bring together families of children with cancer to share their feelings and experiences.
How schools can adapt to flexible learning
Sophie Barclay was 15 when diagnosed with a brain tumour, making schooling and exams difficult. Now 18, she tells us how, with the support of her school, she has received a conditional offer for university.
Delivering packaged drugs into paediatric brain tumours using ultrasound
Diffuse midline glioma is a devastating brain tumour, affecting primarily young children. There’s currently no cure for this disease and treatment options are limited. This is mainly because this type of tumour is well-protected from drugs by the ‘blood-brain barrier’. This barrier physically blocks all medications from entering the brain. Our group has developed new methods of bypassing this barrier using focused ultrasound.
Educational support pathway after brain tumour treatment
Louise Robinson is a neuro-oncology outreach nurse specialist at East Midlands Children’s and Young Persons’ Integrated Cancer Service. Here, she emphasises the importance of collaboration and explains how a support pathway helps young patients with their education.
Harnessing artificial intelligence to identify new drug combinations
Artificial intelligence (AI) has helped scientists propose a promising new drug combination for DIPG brain tumours. Prof Chris Jones, Director of the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), and Dr Fernando Carceller, Paediatric Neuro-Oncology Consultant at The Royal Marsden Hospital, tell us more.
Taking back control
Emily Piszton was diagnosed with a type of brain tumour called craniopharyngioma in 2022, aged 11. Now 12, Emily explains how her tumour and its treatment caused her to gain weight, and what she did in response to this.