Research Grants - a 2022 update
This year we reviewed the current results of the research initially funded by Neuroblastoma UK from 2010 to 2017.
“Our Symposiums over the last ten years have brought together researchers to share their work and highlight topics, examples are: new treatments, advances in differentiation therapy, genetic landscape of neuroblastoma , the role of MYC gene and micro RNA signatures.”
Some of the highlights are:
The development of five open early phase clinical trials of new drugs or new drug combinations for neuroblastoma and one in planning (PARP inhibitor and MIBG).
The five drugs and new drug combinations in development are:
Crizotinib and Temosirolimus
Lorlatinab
Fadraciclib
PARC
Idasanutlin and Venetoclax
The first trial of a new immunotherapy (CAR T-cells) for high-risk neuroblastoma in Europe.
A trial combining targeted radiotherapy (MIBG with chemotherapy) - VERITAS.
The opening and running of the current trial for high-risk neuroblastoma in the UK the SIOPEN HR2 trial, joint funding Neuroblastoma UK and SKC.
Looking back over the last ten years
We have also funded several meetings some of which have been instrumental in highlighting clinical direction e.g. ‘Accelerating drug development for Neuroblastoma’ in 2018, which brought together European and North American researchers to identify the most important drugs for development.
Prof Chesler
2022 has seen the start of the large awards granted at the end of 2021. These are:
Prof Chesler and his team, looking at Blood-based Biomarker Testing to Guide the Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuroblastoma Patients.
Dr Mark Gaze and his team, assessing Dinutuximab-Beta as the theragnostic vector for non-invasive molecular imaging and radiotherapy of high risk neuroblastoma.
Dr Mark Gaze
2022 has also seen the award of two small pilot study grants and the continued work on seven active grants.
None of this would have been possible without the wonderful scientists who work so hard in this area, the support of families of children with neuroblastoma and all of you that champion our charity.
As a small charity we can make a greater contribution to research by working with others and in the last ten years we have partnered with:
Smile with Siddy
Bradley Lowery Foundation
Georgia’s Fund
Action Medical Research for Children
Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Solving Kids Cancer
Niamh’s Next Step
Friends of Rosie
Neuroblastoma UK will continue to fund more crucial laboratory research that is hoped, will lead quickly to new treatments to cure children with neuroblastoma.
Thank you to you all. As we go into our 41st year as a Charity, let us work together again and try to make a momentous difference to children with neuroblastoma.
