Peter Aldous MP for Waveney attended the launch of three collaborative partnerships set up by the charity Brain Tumour Research and three Research Centres of Excellence at the House of Commons on Tuesday 4th March. 

 

The announcement marks the start of a new chapter in long-term sustainable and continuous research into the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and paves the way for a £20 million investment in brain tumour research over the next five years.

 

Mr Aldous has been a long term supporter for greater awareness for brain tumours and greater funding into research for a cure. Mr Aldous met patients, carers, scientists and clinicians and heard about the challenges facing both those living with brain cancer and those trying to secure the much needed funding for research into cures. 

 

Mr Aldous said:

 

“Brain tumour survival rates are still shockingly low compared to other cancers, 18.5% over five years, and the only way to improve these is to fund research specific to brain tumours. These centres will create a network of expertise across the country and cancer disciplines that can bring about life saving changes in treatment.”

 

Brain Tumour Research’s collaboration with Queen Mary University of London working with UCL Institute of Neurology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry will create a network of brain tumour research centres throughout the UK. Research work will include greater understanding of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), low grade tumours and the biology of brain tumour metabolism. 

 

With secure long-term funding covering the key salaried positions within these centres, the researchers will be freed from the limitations and frustrations of applying for one specific project grant after another and instead will be able to pursue the sustainable and continuous research so desperately needed by the scientists and clinicians working in this underfunded field.