Meet the team

Diagnosis with a brain tumour can bring family life to a standstill in the worst possible way. But it also sparks an immediate flurry of activity, as a multi-disciplinary GOSH team springs into action around the child and their family. From radiology and genetics to nursing and psychology, these experts provide support and care at every stage of the patient’s journey. Karen Howe Advanced Nurse Practitioner

“I became GOSH’s first cancer research nurse in 2000. The role involves offering support and guidance through what can often be a very challenging and uncertain period.

“I’m now the first Advanced Research Nurse Practitioner for childhood cancer trials at GOSH, providing expert advice, leadership and education to the wider research and clinical team, as well as undertaking clinical reviews of patients enrolled on trials. The most rewarding part of my role is building relationships with the children and their families, while assessing how they are getting on with the new treatment.”

Professor Thomas Jacques Neuropathologist

“I study tumour samples collected from patients across the UK to better understand how cancers develop, progress and resist treatment.

“We’re now able to study genetic information in much more detail, including how a single DNA mutation during a child’s development can lead to cancer. Insight like this could help us better treat these children. We’re also finding that new kinds of genetic analysis can help to more accurately diagnose sub-types of cancer, which will help doctors to choose the treatment most likely to work for each child.”

Today

Professor Chris Clark Brain Imaging Expert

“Every child with a tumour has an MRI scan to help us understand exactly where it is and whether it could be removed surgically. It’s key for diagnosis and monitoring, particularly tracking how their tumour changes or responds to treatment. Some brain tumours can affect vision, as they grow into the optic pathway.

“My team is developing advanced MRI techniques that show up microscopic damage to optic nerve tissue, before it’s had any effect on the child’s vision. The idea is we could intervene at this point and perhaps prevent any sight loss from happening at all.”