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University urges Tuesday giving for brain tumour research

23/11/2016

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The University of Wolverhampton will be taking part in #GivingTuesday this year to raise money for its dedicated Neuro-Oncology Research Centre.

The Research Centre is leading the way in identifying the genetic causes of brain tumours and the treatments to deal with them.

#GivingTuesday is a national day on Tuesday 29th November 2016 which encourages people to do something good for charity. An online donation page has been set up and a campaign has been planned to create awareness of the fundraising activity.

Professor Tracy Warr, leading the Neuro-Oncology Research Centre at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Around 16,500 people will develop a primary or secondary brain tumour in the UK this year. Many of these will be malignant and respond poorly to therapy.

“Spending on brain tumour research is significantly lower than on many other types of cancer and this undoubtedly has hindered the development of new, effective treatments.

“Brain tumours grow very quickly and are very resistant to conventional therapies. We have made some exciting progress with our laboratory tests but extra research and funding is needed to develop them further.

“Funding for research in the UK is desperately needed. Unless we address the huge challenges faced by young research scientists who want to pursue a career in brain tumour research, we risk losing them to overseas research institutes or to other specialisms.”

Professor Warr’s team is investigating new drugs that target abnormal metabolism, especially energy production. Brain tumours produce the energy that they need to grow in a different way to normal brain cells so these drugs could kill brain tumour cells whilst sparing normal brain cells and reducing side effects for patients. “We are making tremendous progress in the laboratory and we believe that our research will make a real difference to patients suffering from this devastating disease” said Professor Warr.

Recently, local MP, Rob Marris visited the Research Centre to meet the team of scientists behind the research and pledged his support to see brain tumour research funding increased.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued:  17th November 2016

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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