The UK has launched a groundbreaking initiative to combat brain tumours with the establishment of the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. This national partnership, backed by a £13.7 million investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aims to transform outcomes for individuals living with brain tumours and their families. The consortium represents a coordinated effort involving 48 hospitals, universities, cancer centres, charities, and patients across the country.
Leading this ambitious project are Professor Juanita Lopez from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Professor Darren Hargrave of UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Dr. Richard Mair from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute at the University of Cambridge. Their leadership is expected to drive forward clinical trials and research that could significantly improve therapies and outcomes for patients.
Uniting Experts for a Common Cause
Professor Darren Hargrave expressed gratitude for the NIHR’s support, stating, “I would like to thank the NIHR for their funding and support to establish this new national NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium, which aims to transform the UK’s ability to develop and deliver clinical trials leading to better therapies and improved outcomes for patients and their carers impacted by brain tumours irrespective of age.”
He emphasized the consortium’s role in bringing together the UK’s leading clinical researchers and scientists, while also nurturing the next generation of researchers in the fight against brain cancer for both children and adults. “In partnership with colleagues from across the UK, alongside patients and their families and in solidarity with charity and industry partners we aim to rise to the huge challenge to truly make a difference in these devastating diseases,” Hargrave added.
Government Support and Vision
Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care and NIHR chief executive, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “Brain tumours are one of the most difficult cancers to treat with thousands of people diagnosed each year. This new funding aims to shift the dial in brain tumour research, accelerating the UK towards more life-changing treatments for adults and children with this deadly disease.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for effective tools to tackle brain tumours. “By bringing together our brilliant researchers, NHS teams, charities and patients, we’re taking a major step forward in our mission to create an NHS Fit for the Future and ensure fewer lives are lost to the biggest killers,” Dalton stated.
Shifting the Dial in Brain Tumour Research
Brain tumours are notoriously challenging to treat, but this consortium aims to change that narrative. By enhancing innovative clinical trials and focusing on precision medicine, the consortium will explore new and emerging treatments tailored to individual patients’ tumours. Future plans include expanding into radiotherapy techniques, gene therapies, and immunotherapies, which could offer more personalized and effective treatment options.
The initiative is expected to generate stronger evidence to support NHS access to these treatments, should they prove safe and effective, ultimately improving health outcomes for patients.
Aiming to Improve Survival Rates
With 13,000 new cases of brain, other Central Nervous System (CNS), and intracranial tumours diagnosed annually in the UK, these cancers rank as the eighth most common in the country. The consortium will tackle five key challenges that currently hinder the development of new therapies:
- Large amounts of variation among over 100 brain cancer types.
- The limited number of new drugs available for testing.
- Insufficient research facilities, leaders, and staff.
- Shortcomings in planning and execution of research studies.
- Lack of consistent and dedicated support for brain cancer research.
The partnership aims to position the UK as a leading hub for brain tumour treatment research. Key activities will include enrolling patients in a ‘real world’ study to track their progress, developing pioneering clinical trials, and creating new training programs to build capacity among researchers.
Looking Forward
Further NIHR funding into brain tumour treatment trials is anticipated to be delivered as part of the consortium by early 2026. This research will complement efforts funded by other organizations, such as the Medical Research Council and UK Research and Innovation.
As the consortium begins its work, the hope is that it will not only improve survival rates but also enhance the quality of life for those affected by brain tumours. By fostering collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients, the initiative aims to make significant strides in understanding and treating this challenging disease.
