Bradley Lowery's parents reveal treatment is not working

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The parents of Bradley Lowery have said his treatment is having no effect
Five-year-old Bradley suffers from neuroblastoma, a rare cancer found in babies
Despite gruelling chemotherapy treatment his condition has not improved
The devastating news comes after it was revealed he could undergo pioneering immunotherapy treatment

Published: 12:47 EDT, 7 April 2017 | Updated: 13:31 EDT, 7 April 2017

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The parents of Bradley Lowery have confirmed the heartbreaking news that his radical cancer treatment is not working.

The five-year-old has captured the hearts of the nation through his brave battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects babies.

Despite gruelling chemotherapy treatment to reduce the cancer, found above his kidney, Bradley's parents revealed in a Facebook post today that it is having no effect.

The parents of Bradley Lowery have revealed the heartbreaking news that his high dose cancer treatment is not working. In a Facebook post they confirmed the 'news no parent should ever hear'

The youngster remained positive despite his gruelling treatment but the news comes as a devastating blow five days after it was suggested he could receive pioneering immunotherapy treatment

The gut-wrenching post read: 'We have just got back from the hospital with news no parent should ever have to hear.

'Scan results show treatment that Bradley has been receiving is not working, this means we will not get him cancer free as this was our last option.

'We can still go to London and recieve the trial there however this is a phase one trial and hasn't shown any success with neuroblastoma up to now.

'We are understandably heart broken about the recent news hearing this type of thing never gets easier.

'We don't know how long it will be before the cancer wins, but what we do know is that we will continue to make memories and enjoy our super hero every second of the day.

'Thank you to everyone for all your support.'

Defoe and Lowery have also spent time together in hospital where Lowery fell asleep on him

The devastating news coming shortly after it was revealed the young football fan was in line to receive pioneering immunotherapy treatment.

In a previous post on his fundraising Facebook page written by Bradley's mother Gemma, it read: 'Myself and his dad are travelling down to London today to meet with a professor at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

'Bradley has been accepted on a trial down there and we need to discuss it and sign consent.

The five-year-old has enjoyed plenty of fun days out including to the Aintree stables

'This trial is being funded by Cancer Research UK. It is called CAR T-cell trial. It is only phase one which means it is still in the very early stages but it has shown promise in other types of cancer.'

The youngster has struck up a friendship with Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe and other Black Cats stars who visited him in hospital when he was undergoing life-prolonging treatment.

When Bradley was being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, Defoe gave him a cuddle and the young fan fell asleep in his arms.

The pair's heartwarming friendship has blossomed and they even led England out together

However Bradley was forced to cancel recent visits with the football star because of his worsening condition.

Bradley was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and last year more than £700,000 was raised for him to receive special treatment in the US.

Last month, scans revealed a new tumour in the little Sunderland fan's back

His family said in a Facebook update for the thousands of well-wishers around the world that Bradley had been well enough to go to school for a few hours on Wednesday and had fun with friends.

Bradley offered a message to Defoe via video link saying he hoped he had a good time

They added: 'In regards to treatment, we have been told that the liquid part of his bone marrow is clear but we still waiting for the hard part.

'The consultant believes we should continue with another two rounds of the antibody/chemo combination as it is unclear if the new tumour grew before the treatment started or through treatment.

'Bradley is set to go back in hospital on Monday to start the third round. He will get rescanned again after round four so I am hoping and praying for better news.

'We are not ready to give up.'