New partnership offers greater hope through clinical trials

The Little Princess Trust is funding a new Professorship at the University of Birmingham to accelerate the development of childhood cancer treatments and offer hope through progress in vital research and clinical trials.

The creation of The Little Princess Trust Chair of Paediatric Oncology strengthens the growing partnership between the charity and the University and reflects the shared vision for a future where no child suffers the devastating effects of cancer and its current treatments. This endowed chair will ensure  the continuity of research and leadership in childhood cancer for generations to come.

The first appointment to this significant new role at the University of Birmingham is Professor Amos Burke, who has an extensive track record in paediatric cancer research, leadership and clinical innovation.

His expertise and vision to lead on delivering clinical trials developing new treatment avenues for childhood cancers, aligns perfectly with the mission of The Little Princess Trust and the ambitions for this role.

Through Professor Burke and colleagues, the University of Birmingham has a strong partnership with Birmingham Children's Hospital, which has one of the largest paediatric oncology units in the UK, offering a wealth of opportunities for collaboration.

Phil Brace, Chief Executive of The Little Princess Trust, explained why he was determined and excited to give Professor Burke and his team in Birmingham the charity’s support.

“We know that progress in tackling childhood cancer is only achievable through dedicated high quality scientific research to discover new therapies specifically directed at the cancers that affect children and young people," he said.

“The Little Princess Trust believes that this role is vital because the diversity and complexity of cancers that children develop has restricted the speed of progress at which less toxic and more effective treatments are made available in clinical practice. Sadly, childhood cancer receives significantly less focus and investment than adult cancers, which is also a barrier to progress.

“We are very proud to fund Professor Burke through the creation of this new position and we are so grateful to all of our supporters who have made this happen.”

Professor Amos Burke, Professor of Paediatric Oncology at the University of Birmingham added: “As the first holder of The Little Princess Trust Chair in Paediatric Oncology, I recognise the passion, commitment and vision of The Little Princess Trust that has led to the creation of this role and am grateful on behalf of the paediatric oncology community for this investment.

"Working together, it is our hope that research will improve the outcomes for children with cancer in the UK and globally as well as paving the way for future advances by the next generations of holders of this role.”

The Little Princess Trust has previously invested in a substantial portfolio of children’s cancer research projects at the University of Birmingham, ranging from understanding the biology of childhood cancers including lymphomas and brain tumours to developing novel treatments by harnessing the immune system and improving diagnostic imaging through machine learning and artificial intelligence.

This strategic investment provides world-leading scientists and clinicians with the opportunity to collaborate with one mission: to develop better treatments specifically directed at children.