Bradley mum praises cancer researchers
familiesupanddownthecountry as he bravely fought the illness which would eventually claim his life.
As experts speak of their focus on neuroblastoma cells and how treatment could potentially be personalised in future, Gemma has welcomed the step forward and how it could lead to a better understanding of the condition.
Neuroblastoma is a rare type of cancer of the nervous system which mainly affects babies and young children.
Gemma, CEO of the Bradley Lowery Foundation, said: “It is extremely important that as much research as possible is done into neuroblastoma to help improve treatments for children with the condition.
“In general, not enough research is done into childhood cancersothefactthatNewcastleUniversityisleadingtheway in studying neuroblastoma is fantastic.
“It’s great that this research is a stepping stone towards personalised treatment as the standard treatment currently given is gruelling.
“Bradley was on life-support for 15 days, not from the cancer but from the effects of the chemotherapy.
“TheBradleyLoweryFoundation is pushing for more people to become involved in scientific research and this is an example of the importance of it.”
Bradleyspentalotoftimeat Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary throughout his short life – and it was his friendship andcareforotherchildrenthat inspiredhisfamilyandfriends to set up the foundation in his name in the wake of his death.
A study, led by experts at Newcastle University and published in Clinical Cancer Research on Tuesday, has focused on neuroblastoma cells which circulate in the blood and spread through the bone marrow. Experts now say it is possible to test the impact of newer targeted types of treatments on the circulating tumour cells without the need for an invasive biopsy.