Professor appointed to develop new treatments for children with cancer

A New Era for Childhood Cancer Research: Professor Isidro Cortes Appointed as Oxford's First Little Princess Trust Professor of Paediatric Oncology

The Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford has appointed Professor Isidro Cortes as its first Little Princess Trust Professor of Paediatric Oncology, marking a major milestone in a partnership dedicated to accelerating the development of new treatments for children with cancer.

Supported by The Little Princess Trust, the new professorship has been established to harness Oxford's world-leading cancer research capabilities and focus them on one of medicine's most urgent challenges: improving outcomes for children and young people diagnosed with cancer.

While survival rates for many childhood cancers have improved significantly over recent decades, some cancers remain difficult to treat and many children experience lifelong side effects from existing therapies. The new professorship will strengthen efforts to develop more effective, targeted and less toxic treatments for young patients.

Professor Cortes joins Oxford as an internationally recognised clinician-scientist with extensive experience in childhood cancer research. He will lead a new research programme within the Department of Paediatrics, bringing together expertise from across the University's extensive cancer research community.

Oxford is home to more than 900 cancer researchers working across disciplines including genetics, immunology, drug discovery, translational medicine, clinical trials and data science. By connecting these capabilities, Professor Cortes will help drive new approaches to understanding childhood cancers and translating discoveries into treatments that can reach patients more quickly.

Professor Georg Holländer, Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford, said: "This appointment represents a major step forward in our ambition to build a world-leading paediatric oncology programme. Professor Cortes brings exceptional scientific and clinical expertise, and we are delighted to welcome him to Oxford. Together, we will strengthen our efforts to develop new therapies for children with cancer and ensure that scientific discoveries can be translated into real benefits for patients and families."

The Little Princess Trust is best known for providing free, real-hair wigs to children and young people who lose their hair through cancer treatment and other medical conditions. Alongside this work, the charity has become one of the UK's leading funders of childhood cancer research, investing millions into projects focused on finding new and better treatments for children with cancer.

Speaking about the appointment, Wendy Tarplee-Morris, Co-Founder of The Little Princess Trust said: "Everything we do is driven by a desire to improve the lives of children and young people affected by cancer. Funding research is a vital part of that mission. We are proud to support this professorship and look forward to seeing the impact Professor Cortes and his team will make in advancing childhood cancer research and developing new treatment options for future generations."

Professor Cortes will work closely with researchers across Oxford, including colleagues within Oxford Cancer and the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre, which focuses on accelerating the development of therapies for rare diseases, including rare childhood cancers.

The appointment reflects Oxford's growing commitment to paediatric oncology as a strategic research priority and provides a platform for long-term investment in therapeutic innovation. Over time, the programme is expected to support new collaborations, attract talented researchers and contribute to the development of clinical trials that bring promising discoveries closer to patients.

Professor Isidro Cortes said: "Every child diagnosed with cancer deserves the best possible chance of a healthy future. What excites me most about joining Oxford is the opportunity to work alongside outstanding scientists, clinicians and partners who share that ambition. Together, we have the expertise and infrastructure needed to accelerate the development of new treatments and improve outcomes for children and families affected by cancer."

The appointment of Professor Cortes represents the beginning of a new chapter in childhood cancer research at Oxford, combining scientific excellence, clinical expertise and philanthropic partnership to advance the next generation of treatments for children with cancer.

Key Facts

• Professor Isidro Cortes is the first Little Princess Trust Professor of Paediatric Oncology at the University of Oxford.
• The professorship has been established through support from The Little Princess Trust charity and the Harrington Discovery Institute
• The role will lead a new programme focused on developing innovative therapies for childhood cancers.
• Oxford's cancer research community includes more than 900 researchers working across multiple disciplines.
• The programme will work closely with Oxford Cancer and the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre.
• The Little Princess Trust is one of the UK's leading funders of childhood cancer research and is widely known for providing free real-hair wigs to children and young people experiencing hair loss.
• The long-term goal is to accelerate the development of more effective and less toxic treatments for children with cancer.