Research

We are one of the UK’s leading funders of research into childhood cancer.

There are two broad strands to our research:

research into the causes of childhood cancers and
research into the development of improved treatments.

Read more: Research successes | Information for researchers

Causes and prevention

Despite the amazing growth in survival rates for childhood cancers, we still know relatively little about what causes the development of these diseases.

In Britain, incidence of childhood cancer increased 38 per cent between 1966 and 2000. Although improvements in diagnosis and registration are undoubtedly responsible for some of this increase, there does appear to have been a genuine increase in risk. This suggests that aspects of our changing lifestyle may have increased the risk of children developing cancer.

It is crucial that we understand what aspect of our modern lifestyle has caused this increase; with improved knowledge we may be able to reverse the alarming trend.

Meanwhile, advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying childhood cancers are giving a better insight into more effective ways of treating them.

Read more: Our research into causes | Current causes research projects

Treatment

One of the greatest medical success stories of the last century is the amazing growth in the survival rate for childhood cancer...

One of the greatest medical success stories of the last century is the amazing growth in the survival from childhood cancer – more than three quarters of children diagnosed with cancer can now be successfully treated.

The children who survive may be left with serious health and developmental problems as a result of the intensive treatments used to save their young lives.

Through our investment in the development of treatments for childhood cancer, we hope to find new ways of treating patients with even the most difficult forms of cancer. We hope to drive up the survival rate still further whilst reducing the risk of harm for young patients.

Read more: Our work to develop improved treatments | Current treatment research projects

Development of research facilities

Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre

On occasion, we provide capital funding to help the development of research facilities.

By assisting in the establishment of dedicated research centres, we help to bring research teams together and provide access to improved facilities and equipment. This helps scientists and clinicians to make the best possible progress in their work, for the benefit of children with cancer.

Read more: Our research facilities

Sharing the results of research

As well as directly funding research, we work hard to encourage the sharing of results.

We have hosted two major international scientific conferences. Our third conference - Childhood Cancer 2012 will take place in April 2012.

We also provide funding for other conferences and meetings, including long-term support for the meetings of the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC).

Read more: Our scientific conferences