GIVING HOPE TO BRAVE CHILDREN

By supporting the Liberty Rose Trust you are also supporting The Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre and it’s vital research work into childhood brain tumours. With so many children worldwide fighting a devastating battle for survival – and many of them losing – supporting research has never been so important.The CBTRC was established in 1997 at the university of Nottingham which already leads the way in neuroscience cancer and human development research in the U.K. Professors Richard Grundy & David Walker head a team of over 50 dedicated medical professionals working to improve the understanding of this formidable disease by researching and developing innovative new treatments. A huge range of research is carried out at the centre looking into many aspects of child brain tumours as is possible.Many brain tumours remain incurable and 60% of the children that survive face significant disability after treatment. Tumours of the brain and spinal cord account for 25% of all cancers in children and is now the leading cause of death in childhood cancer.The CBTRCaims to establish the links between paediatrics, neurosciences, oncology, imaging, pharmaceutical sciences, human development, stem-cell technology, cellular genetics and physiology. There are over 50 experts in these fields at The University of Nottingham, all of them working towards improving our understanding of the disease and developing innovative new treatments.

Five-year survival rates in the UK have risen from 50% to 70% over the last decade. Many brain tumours remain incurable, and 60% of those who do survive often have significant disability following diagnosis and treatment.

We need to act fast. Every moment that passes another child loses their battle. Whether it’s in big or small ways you CAN help. It’s our duty to come to the aid of these brave children by helping those who are desperately searching for a cure. We lose more children over the age of one to cancer than to any other disease.By supporting the Liberty Rose Trust you will be aiding the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre with pioneering new projects such as:

• Understanding the biological nature of CNS (central nervous system) tumours in relation to their origin: including the significance of biological and genetic alterations of different tumour types; their sensitivity or resistance to treatment; and the identification of targets for therapy
• Viewing cancer as a disorder of development and studying the genes and physiological mechanisms which determine the nature of irregular cells in early life
• Understanding the genetic and molecular fingerprints that affect tumour behaviour
• Investigating the role of cutting-edge imaging in early diagnosis, determination of prognosis and response to treatment â?? new techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) can provide information on the biology of the tumour
• Using in vitro models to investigate tumour and brain interactions and the effects of treatments
• Undertaking unique collaborative research into drug treatments designed to affect brain tumour growth
• Establishing a programme that develops drug delivery systems designed to target CNS tumours
• Researching the links between clinical referral and diagnosis, hopefully improving the diagnostic process by promoting guidelines for health services and encouraging professional training
• Investigating methods of diagnosis and using clinical trials to optimise the health outcomes for the child and family
• Measuring the complexities of neuro-disability in children and young people of all ages and applying this methodology to the clinical trials of new therapies
• Establishing a link between in vitro MRS imaging and late effects, following treatment and investigating the results in relation to thought processes, neurology and quality of life

The Centre’s leaders have a huge range of experience in guiding national and international developments in clinical practice advising on health service developments and actively promoting the NHS cancer registration system and clinical trials. They also frequently attend conferences across the globe as principal members of clinical trials committees, the Childhood Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG, formerly UKCCSG) and the Société Internationale dâ??Oncologie Pediatrique (SIOP).At the Childrenâ??s Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) weâ??re dedicated to improving the lives of young brain tumour sufferers and their families worldwide. Through extensive research and development weâ??re establishing new treatments and improving survival rates. We work with lots of childrenâ??s cancer research organisations around the world to make sure weâ??re improving our knowledge of the disease every day.Many of the families visiting the centre seek comfort in knowing other families around them are sharing the same difficulties and emotions. The centre acts as a focal point, a place where they can talk about their problems and be understood.Childhood brain tumours are linked to the process of growth and development of the brain, while those in adults are usually linked to ageing or environmental factors. The cause of most brain tumours is still unknown, however weâ??re looking for clues in both environmental and genetic factors.

Big steps towards a brighter future

At the Childrenâ??s Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) weâ??re dedicated to improving the lives of young brain tumour sufferers and their families worldwide. Through extensive research and development weâ??re establishing new treatments and improving survival rates. We work with lots of childrenâ??s cancer research organisations around the world to make sure weâ??re improving our knowledge of the disease every day.Brain tumours are very rare in adults, yet they account for around 25% of cancer in children. This means theyâ??re the second most common childhood cancer after leukaemia. However, only half these children are likely to be cured and nearly all survivors have significant difficulties with their quality of life.Many of the families visiting the centre seek comfort in knowing other families around them are sharing the same difficulties and emotions. The centre acts as a focal point, a place where they can talk about their problems and be understood.

Money well spent

Initial funding was established for the Centre so existing University expertise could focus on childrenâ??s neuro-oncology. So far, funding from the University and external grants have tripled the Centreâ??s research capability. Three research fellowships are now in place and a fourth is planned as soon as enough money is raised. The Centre has also bought vital pieces of equipment to further their research and improve treatments.

Raising awareness

To raise awareness and inform the National Health agenda, the University has now incorporated programmes of training into related medical and scientific courses. Recent political lobbying has resulted in two adjournment debates in parliament with our Centre being named to be visited by the Minister of Health.

International research potential

The Centre has huge potential for research collaboration, with its key professors recently publishing an international book and over 90 scientific publications. Theyâ??ve also developed patents, clinical trial proposals and an extensive programme of presentations worldwide.

Help us make a difference

There are plenty of ways you can help make a difference to the lives of children suffering from brain tumours, so find out how you can