Friends of Rosie appeared on BBC North West Tonight last week, highlighting the vital need for more children’s cancer research. As well as talking about our latest research project, which is one of the biggest steps forward in childhood bone cancer research in the past 40 years.
Listen to Friends of Rosie founder, Lisa Larkin, talk about why the charity was set up following the loss of her 5-year-old daughter, Rosie. Lisa shares her hopes for this latest research discovery, which could lead to kinder treatments for children with bone cancer, saving more lives.
Also hear from 15-year-old, Maddison McVety. Maddison is undergoing treatment for bone cancer. She shares her experiences of the current gruelling treatments and her hopes for this new research.
Dr Katherine Finegan, the researcher who lead this project at The University of Manchester, explains the findings:
“Bone cancer in children, also known as osteosarcoma, is currently treated with a gruelling regime of outdated chemotherapy drugs and often limb amputation. But fewer than half the children survive more than five years. This is largely because bone cancer spreads rapidly around the growing body of a child, particularly to their lungs.
“New research published last week identifies a set of key genes that cause bone cancer to spread to the lungs. By removing it, the growth of osteosarcomas can be slowed and prevented from spreading to other parts of the body. “
Dr Finegan also gave huge thanks to the supporters of Friends of Rosie who made this research happen.
Our heartfelt thanks to Maddison, Dr Katherine Finegan and her team, and the team at BBC North West. Together you have brought much-needed attention to children’s cancer research.
None of this would have been possible without our amazing supporters and donors. Please donate to help us do more.
