A new package of funding to boost brain tumour research has been announced by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) alongside the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM).
The initiatives represent the largest ever combined package of its kind and is the next step in the government’s £40m pledge to develop new lifesaving research.
With brain tumours still being one of the hardest to treat cancers with only 12% of adults surviving beyond five years of a diagnosis, health leaders believe the “transformative” investment can improve clinical practice and boost patient outcomes.
The package includes:
- A new funding call for the evaluation of novel therapies and optimisation of brain tumour treatments
- A new funding call to generate high quality evidence in brain tumour care, support and rehabilitation
- New Tessa Jowell allied health professional research fellowships to build the evidence on the importance of rehabilitation for patients with a brain tumour
The funding calls are expected to launch this summer.
“This transformative brain tumour research funding we are announcing is a key moment in our search for novel therapies and better treatments to save lives and improve the quality of life for patients with this condition,” said Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR’s CEO.
“We are pressing ahead in this innovative new step, made possible due to our strong and collaborative partnership with charities, patients, the life sciences industry and the brain tumour community.
“As we continue this journey together, it shows the crucial value of world-leading research shaped and funded by the public, integrated across the health and care system.”
TJBCM’s CEO, Nicky Huskens, added: “Today’s announcements represent a transformative investment in the brain tumour community.
“It is a testament to the hard work and tireless campaigning of charities, patients and family members that we are where we are today; with the real possibility of discovering new treatment and care options for patients.”
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