Prof David Walker

Cancer and research avatar

School of Human Development
University of Nottingham
Nottingham

Testing treatments for childhood brain cancer

Professor David Walker heads a team at the University of Nottingham. The group is investigating the best way to treat certain childhood cancers known as low-grade gliomas (LGGs). 

Around 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK. And about one quarter of these develop brain tumours - most of which are low grade gliomas. Although the disease is often initially treated successfully with chemotherapy, the tumour can start growing again. The treatment can also affect a child's quality of life, both in the short and long term.

Professor Walker is running the UK arm of an international clinical trial comparing different types of treatment for low grade glioma. He and his team are also collecting samples of tumours and DNA from the children on the trial. This could tell us more about the genes and molecules involved in this type of cancer. Professor Walker's work will make a significant impact on the treatment of children with low grade glioma. And it should help more children survive the disease.

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