Strawberry Birthmark Research
Infantile haemangioma, also known as strawberry birthmark, is a benign vascular tumour that grows rapidly for about a year after birth. It affects 10% of children and is not only disfiguring but can also threaten their bodily functions and even their life.
The tumour spontaneously regresses over the next 5-10 years, often leaving a fatty lump.
Traditionally, strawberry birthmarks were treated by harsh medications such as high-dose steroids, interferon or chemotherapy, and/or invasive procedures such as plastic surgery or laser therapy. These traditional treatments are unpleasant, invasive, costly and usually take many years.
Discoveries by the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute
Ground-breaking discoveries at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute underscore improved treatment of strawberry birthmarks such that these disfiguring and sometimes dangerous tumours can now be treated inexpensively in a matter of months rather than years, with children gaining a better quality of life.
The new treatment is much cheaper, faster, more effective and produces fewer side effects than traditional treatments.
Our current research on strawberry birthmarks looks at developing non-oral applications of treatment and the cellular and molecular biology and pathophysiology of strawberry birthmarks.
Charley-Jean has a strawberry birthmark affecting her cheek and eye. Five months after treatment the birthmark is gone. Without treatment the tumour could have disfigured Charley-Jean for life, and if it kept growing it could have caused blindness.
Support
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is a Registered Charity (CC43660) relying mainly on private philanthropy, including donations, bequests, corporate championships, grants and scholarships. You can donate now or contact us to learn how you can support us and enable our research to continue.