Reflections on the 2022 Cancer Research UK Brain Tumour Conference

10 August 2023 | Support, Campaigning and research, Supporters

In collaboration with the University of Worcester, Brain Tumour Support was involved in a research project, that explored experiences and challenges faced by those living with a primary brain tumour. The research yielded some interesting findings and recommendations, which will benefit our support services in the future.

I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to present this research at the 2022 CRUK Brain Tumour Conference, which was held in London, on 5-7 September. Having a background involving laboratory-based research into brain tumours, I was excited to attend and update my own knowledge of advances in the field and research directions for the future.

Over the course of the conference, we were introduced to some of the brightest minds in the field of brain tumour research, who offered energy and hope for a cure for this debilitating and at times, heartbreaking disease. The science was complex and ground-breaking, exploring stem cells and the developmental origins of brain tumours, new understandings around the tumour micro-environment and neuro-immunology. These understandings will drive innovations in future drug discovery and delivery, focussed on targeted and optimised therapies, with minimal toxicity.

I was invited to present a poster, summarising our research findings and imparting key points for the reader to reflect upon. Our research was qualitative in nature, so the poster was very different to those with endless graphs and complex images. The focus was on the whole person with a brain tumour – the human side and culmination of the genes, cells and molecules that formed the basis of the other research presented. I wanted to let the audience know about the people we support, their day-to-day challenges, their fears and, most importantly, what they hoped for and how we could best support them and improve their experience of living with a brain tumour.

See the poster here: ‘A qualitative exploration of the experiences of adult patients living with a primary brain tumour and the impact on their quality of life.’

Despite the different focus of my research, I was warmly welcomed and laboratory-based researchers were keen to hear and talk about the experiences of patients. Together, we reflected on the challenges of working at the level of genes and cells, and how at times it is easy to forget the bigger picture – the person living with a brain tumour diagnosis.

Overall, there are exciting developments in the field of brain tumour research, an increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which tumour cells behave and communicate and some promising drug targets. That said, much of the current research won’t translate to new therapies for many years, which makes Brain Tumour Support all the more determined to provide the best possible support for those living with a brain tumour diagnosis in the meantime.

Find out more about our support services

Support is offered to anyone in the UK affected by any type or grade of brain tumour, including family, friends and carers.

Perspective from Lucy Wilkinson, Brain Tumour Support Professional.