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Uncovering the Achilles’ Heel of Brain Tumours: Kelsey’s Groundbreaking Research at Sheffield
- David Grant-Roberts
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
At Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, we’re proud to fund innovative research that challenges the status quo and paves the way for new treatments. One shining example is the work of Kelsey Wosnitzka, a YBTC-funded Ph.D. student at the University of Sheffield, supervised by Professor Spencer Collis and Mr. Ola Rominiyi. Her research is changing how we understand – and tackle – complex brain tumours.
Why Brain Tumours Are So Hard to Treat
Treating brain tumours isn’t straightforward. One of the biggest challenges lies within the tumours themselves. Each tumour contains a mix of different cells, each living in its own ‘micro-environment’. These differences can mean that while one part of a tumour might respond well to treatment, another part resists it completely.
To explain this, Kelsey uses a brilliant analogy: imagine trying to predict the result of a UK general election by only asking 100 people in Liverpool. You wouldn’t get the full picture – and the same goes for tumours. To truly understand what’s going on, researchers need to study samples from different regions within the same tumour.
More Than a Researcher
Kelsey is passionate about raising awareness and widening access to research. As part of her Ph.D., she designed a 12-week course for Key Stage 2 students to introduce them to the science and challenges of brain tumour treatment. She’s also explored ways to expand access to Sheffield’s cutting-edge lab resources and continues to promote collaboration across academia and industry to fast-track new treatments to patients.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity for supporting my research,” says Kelsey. “Their support has provided a crucial stepping stone for us to explore new ways to outsmart complex brain tumours, and ultimately bring hope to patients and families affected by this disease.”
Your Support Makes This Possible
This vital research is only possible because of the generosity of our donors and fundraisers. With your help, we can continue to fund talented researchers like Kelsey, drive forward innovation, and bring hope to everyone affected by a brain tumour. To donate to our ground-breaking research, click here.
🎥 Watch the explainer video from the Sheffield team here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy8VUHU7STo