A new centre committed to finding a cure for those suffering from brain tumours has opened in Edinburgh.
The facility is a result of a unique collaboration between leading cancer charities Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity, and will see researchers based at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow working together with the aim of identifying the most promising new treatments for glioblastoma – a deadly brain cancer with an average prognosis of as little as 12 months – and getting patients into clinical trials.
Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity are investing £2.4 million in the Centre over the next five years. More than half that sum has been raised and a public appeal is ongoing.
Brain tumours kill more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer every year, and affects the lives of thousands of people across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
The opening of the new centre has been welcomed by families who have lost loved ones to the disease.
Edinburgh Live previously spoke to Claire Cordiner, about the devastating loss of her 18-year-old nephew Max Jones in July 2023 due to glioblastoma.
His tragic death came after Claire also lost her mum, Margaret O’Kane, 67, from Wishaw in October 2008 and sister Angie Jones, from East Kilbride, who was Max’s mum, in December 2009, when she was just 36.
In February 2024, Claire’s cousin, David McCulloch, also died from an astrocytoma.
Claire said: “Brain tumours have absolutely devastated our family. Today has been a long time coming, it’s so significant. Ground-breaking research, which will help thousands of people in Scotland, is being done on our doorstep. I’m so excited and I really look forward to hearing about discoveries which will lead to new treatments and, hopefully, a cure.”
Claire was joined at the opening of the centre by Alan and Rene Hogg from Leith, who lost their daughter, Jenny, 33, after an aggressive glioblastoma diagnosis just over 10 years ago.
Alan said: “Having a research centre in Scotland will mean so much to all who have been affected by brain tumours. It will provide hope and a sense of connection for those who visit. Being able to see a local Wall of Hope will be wonderful. It will add even more meaning to the donations raised here in Scotland.
“A research centre in Scotland will be a major focus for fundraising. Instead of simply looking at plaques on a windowsill, this centre will give us the opportunity to visit, bring potential supporters, and help increase funding for Brain Tumour Research. This will accelerate the development of treatments and, hopefully, cures for brain tumours, which remain the biggest cancer killer of young people.”
Antiques Roadshow expert, Theo Burrell, who became Patron of Brain Tumour Research following her diagnosis with a glioblastoma in June 2022, was also in attendance at the centre’s unveiling.
Theo, 38, from East Lothian, has just started the second round of a 12-month temozolomide chemotherapy programme following a regrowth of her tumour. She said: “My current situation is scary and I’m daunted by what lies ahead, but this new Centre is giving myself and other people affected by brain tumours some tangible hope.
“Through my diagnosis and my role as Patron of Brain Tumour Research I speak to brain tumour patients every day; two people close to me have recently died from the disease and it’s heartbreaking. I am hopeful that game changing research here will lead to clinical trials for glioblastoma patients in Scotland like me.”
Scientists at the centre are seeking and developing new drugs that can target and kill the cancer-causing cells that drive the growth of glioblastoma, in order to create more effective treatments. They are particularly looking for new drugs that can cross the blood brain barrier, a natural protective membrane that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain, including many medicines.
More than 1,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year. Of those, 433 people are diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour.
Dan Knowles, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “Today is hugely significant for the brain tumour community in Scotland who, thanks to their generous support, have helped make the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence a reality. GBM patients desperately need new, improved treatments, so I welcome the prospect of more clinical trials being created for patients which will lead to better and kinder treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
“The Scottish Centre is bridging the gap between the discovery of potential new treatments for glioblastoma and getting these treatments to patients. Their multidisciplinary approach for drug discovery and testing will provide the preclinical data needed to attract the investment that funds clinical trials. It will increase the number of trials available for glioblastoma patients in Scotland and beyond.
“The Centre represents a significant investment in Scotland and complements our other Centres of Excellence at the University of Plymouth, Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London, and the Institute of Cancer Research.”
Gillian Hailstones, CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Today is a truly exciting milestone for brain tumour research in Scotland, and one that holds immense potential to advance understanding and develop new treatment options for glioblastoma. Beatson Cancer Charity is proud to be working in partnership with Brain Tumour Research and the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, to make this ambition a reality. This new Centre brings together exceptional expertise from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and we are confident it will lead to significant progress in tackling the complexities of brain tumours and developing innovative treatments in the years ahead.
“We hear firsthand from the patients and families we support, how devastating this disease can be and the significant and lasting impact that it has on families. The generosity of our supporters and donors demonstrates the level of commitment there is across Scotland to change the future for those affected by brain tumours. Thanks to their generosity today’s centre opening marks the start of that change.”
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