World-first trial for paediatric brain cancer
A world-first clinical trial has been launched at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for children with ependymoma – a rare and devastating form of paediatric brain cancer.
The Deflexifol® At Relapse Trial (DART), proudly supported by Kids with Cancer Foundation, is being led by Professor David Ziegler and Dr Marion Mateos at the Kids Cancer Centre (KCC) and will test Deflexifol® – a new Australian-developed co-formulation of a chemotherapy called 5-FU and leucovorin, in treating children with high-risk or relapsed ependymoma. The treatment is expected to be a less toxic and more effective chemotherapeutic compared with standard of care versions of these drugs commonly used to treat adult cancers.
Mum pens children’s book to help explain cancer diagnosis
A mother, intent on helping other families suffering a brain tumour diagnosis, has penned a book to help those in a similar position explain a diagnosis to their children.
Simone Baldwin, who faced the challenge of explaining her brain tumour diagnosis to her young son, has written a heartfelt children’s book entitled ‘Mummy has a lump’. Having worked as a primary school teacher for over two decades, Simone found herself at a loss for words when it came to discussing her shocking diagnosis with her son, Sam.
Motivated by her own experiences, the book, which is a beautifully-illustrated poem, is designed for children aged four to eight. The book serves as a supportive tool for parents to initiate conversations about cancer with their young ones, while also providing insight into the author’s personal journey and the impact of brain tumour diagnosis and treatment on her family.
With this book, Simone aims to offer comfort and understanding to others facing similar situations, and she has even created “Daddy Has A Lump” and a Welsh language version to further broaden its reach.
You can buy the book on Amazon here
Parliamentary Motion for World Brain Tumour Awareness Day
Gillian Mackay MSP (Scottish Green Party Central Scotland) has tabled a Parliamentary Motion in the Scottish Parliament to mark World Brain Tumour Awareness Day.
A Parliamentary Motion is a short proposal that allows MSPs to indicate their support of a particular cause.
World Brain Tumour Awareness Day is recognised on 8th June every year to raise awareness and promote education around the condition.
This motion, recognises that there is still significant progress to be made in the research, understanding and treatment of brain tumours and urges the Government to implement a cross departmental approach to ensure that promising new drugs move more efficiently from the scientist’s bench to the patient’s bedside