02 May OVID Health and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK work together to make the case for children’s cancer research
At OVID, we are committed to increasing the number of people living healthy lives through the power of communications. That’s why we are so excited to be working with Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC), to help them influence the policy environment for paediatric cancer research, and particularly for neuroblastoma.
OVID is delighted to be supporting and advising SKC to make the case for change in NHS clinical trials, so every child who could benefit from a clinical trial can access it through the NHS.
Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer, which affects around 100 children a year in the UK, and high-risk neuroblastoma is responsible for 10% of all childhood cancer deaths. It is heart-breaking to know that even among the children who respond best to treatment, neuroblastoma has a 20% relapse rate. SKC provides information, support and practical assistance to children and families affected by this cruel disease.
What children with neuroblastoma and their families most urgently need are new treatment options. But clinical trials for rare childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma are expensive and hard to set up, limiting the potential for new treatments to reach patients. Indeed, some parents are having to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to enable their children to participate in clinical trials overseas.
Jenny Ousbey, OVID’s Founder and CEO said: “At OVID we are passionate about our purpose and are proud of our patient-first approach. This is why we’re thrilled to be working with the lovely SKC team to collaborate and support them to reach policy makers so we can deliver a step change in paediatric cancer research.”
The project will focus on developing a five-year plan to push paediatric cancer and neuroblastoma up the policy agenda, while strengthening paediatric cancer research and access to clinical trials.
Gail Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Solving Kids’ Cancer said: “Research into paediatric cancer treatments has long been de-prioritised. That means patients in the UK are losing out. We are excited to be working with OVID to give children living with cancer hope for better treatment and to advocate for their unmet needs.”
If you would like to learn more about how OVID Health can support you through public affairs, patient advocacy, or communications, get in touch via [email protected].
If you would like to learn more about the work of Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, please visit their website, solvingkidscancer.org.uk.