BRSS Talk Will Explore AI And The Treatment Of Brain Tumours

Representatives from our medical team at Amethyst Radiotherapy have made valuable contributions to talks and discussions at the annual meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on 23-24 January.

We were also proud to be sponsoring this highly regarded conference, where the most cutting-edge advancements in the field of brain cancer research and treatment will be discussed. On 23 January, Mr Patrick Grover delivered a presentation on a research project: “Enhancing the treatment pathway for benign intracranial tumours through AI.”

Here’s an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) might be used in the future to assist with the treatment of large-size metastases.

Faster and more accurate diagnosis

There are already various AI tools in use to assist with advanced image analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which are the most commonly used type of scan for the diagnosis of large-size metastases. This allows for much greater accuracy than would be possible through human labour alone.

AI technology has the potential to identify different types of tumour with more precision, and is capable of distinguishing subtle changes that may be missed by the human eye. This means that tumours can be detected at an earlier stage, enabling the most appropriate treatments to be started before the tumour grows larger or spreads.

Bespoke treatment pathways

The greater accuracy of AI diagnostic tools means that more effective personalised treatment plans can be put in place. Furthermore, AI techniques could potentially be used to create individual treatment plans based on the genetic characteristics of the patient.

Surgical assistance

AI powered tools are already in use to assist surgeons in several ways. One of the most commonly used methods includes intraoperative guidance, where smart assistants monitor the surgical process, and alert the surgeon to any unforeseen changes.

This reduces the risk of inaccuracies or complications arising during delicate neurosurgery procedures, where the edges of large-size metastases are not always clearly defined.

More accurate radiotherapy and radiosurgery outcomes

For radiosurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife surgery, AI tools may be used to map out the tumour locations and boundaries with much more detail and precision.

This enables the tumour cells to be targeted with the light rays with an even greater degree of accuracy, ensuring the maximising amount of radiation is focused on malignant cells, and minimising the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy cells.

Advanced prognostics

AI tools can be involved in patient prognostics, including the monitoring of treatment plans, and the use of patient data to predict the likelihood that the tumour may recur, or in more advanced cases, give the predicted lifespan of the patient.

This enables the medical team to put the most appropriate treatment plan in place, and also allows the patient and their families to prepare themselves better for likely future outcomes.

How Can Agitation In TACs Headaches Disorders Be Managed?

Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are a group of headache disorders that cause acute pain on one side of the head, in the trigeminal nerve area, often radiating from behind the eye. Although these headaches are not considered to be life threatening, they can be seriously disruptive and impact on quality of life, often causing distress and agitation.

Here is a look at some of the coping strategies that may help people who suffer from these rare but debilitating disorders.

What are trigeminal autonomic cephalgias?

The main subtypes of TACs include cluster headaches, Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Hemicrania Continua, and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing (SUNCT).

They are considered to be rare, although the condition can be difficult to diagnose because there are different forms of TACs, and the symptoms may be confused with other types of headache disorder such as migraine.

One of the common symptoms of TACs, besides pain that is often excruciating, is agitation. This can make what is already a very unpleasant experience even more distressing and difficult to manage. Here’s a look at some strategies that may help people with this condition to find relief.

Understanding the link between TACs headaches and agitation

The link between headaches and agitation is not fully understood, but it may be simply a stress response triggered by the body as a coping mechanism. This can lead to restlessness, irritability and feelings of unease, causing the patient to pace about and be unable to sit or lie down.

The extreme pain that characterises TACs, particularly cluster headaches, may disrupt the body’s nervous system and cause heightened sensitivity that leads to agitation and restlessness.

People who suffer from cluster headaches, which occur in cycles and can have remittance periods of months or years, may also suffer from anxiety, which can lead to agitation and an inability to rest.

Coping mechanisms for headache with agitation

If you suspect that you have a TACs headache disorder, it’s essential to accurately describe your symptoms to a doctor to give yourself the best chance of correct diagnosis and treatment. Patients may also need to develop their individual coping mechanisms to help them manage symptoms such as agitation.

Pain relief

Some subtypes of TACs, particularly cluster headaches, are characterized by excruciating pain that may be brief, but can continue for up to three hours. Conventional painkillers such as ibuprofen will be ineffective, so it;s important to use prescribed analgesics. For cluster headaches, this is often sumatriptan injections.

Patients who do not respond to analgesics may be prescribed high doses of oxygen, which is delivered via a face mask that is worn for 15 to 20 minutes.

Alternative remedies

Non-medication treatments are unlikely to fully relieve the symptoms of severe headaches, but they can help to ease pain and also help the patient manage agitation, making the condition less overwhelming. The application of a hot or cold compress to the source of the pain may provide some degree of relief.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing may help to release tension and ease mental distress and agitation. This could include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. A calming environment will also be beneficial, free from loud or repetitive sounds, hectic activity and bright lights.

If this is not possible, try using noise cancelling headphones and eye masks to reduce the level of environmental stimulation. Mental techniques such as mindfulness may be helpful to distract the mind from the pain and focus on another stimulus.

Prevention techniques

Often, people who experience TACs will notice certain triggers, so part of the coping strategy should include managing triggers to reduce the frequency of attacks. Keep a journal to record details such as what you were eating, drinking, or doing when your attacks commence.

Common triggers include alcohol, cigarette smoking, climbing to higher altitudes, bright lights, physical exertion, heat, recreational drugs, and foods that contain nitrates such as processed meats.

Seek professional help

TACs disorders and trigeminal neuralgia have shared involvement with the trigeminal nerve and, as such, both can be distressing and difficult to cope with. Some patients may require professional support to help them manage the symptoms.

If you would like more information about the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia related conditions, please contact Mr. Matthias Radatz of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Cluster Headache And Migraine: How To Tell The Difference

There are headaches and then there are cluster headaches and migraine attacks. Both of these types of primary headache disorder can be totally debilitating, rendering the person unable to do anything except lie down or pace around in excruciating pain. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be particularly effective at treating cranial nerve issues where appropriate.

Here’s a look at understanding the difference between cluster headaches and migraines.

The importance of understanding the difference

Getting a correct diagnosis for headache disorders is not always straightforward, because there are different types that share similar symptoms and patterns, but cluster headaches are not a type of migraine, and vice versa. This means that people may not be receiving the most appropriate treatment, and could be suffering a worse quality of life as a result.

Therefore, being more aware of the characteristics of each can help patients to be more confident and accurate during doctor’s consultations, and increase their chances of getting the most effective help that they so badly need.

What are cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are a rare form of headache, affecting about one in 1,000 people. Sadly, incidences of suicide in patients with cluster headaches is higher than average, because they can make life unbearable if not managed properly. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be an effective form of treatment for this condition.

The age of onset is typically between 30 and 50, although they can affect people of any age, and they are more common in men than women. They are known as cluster headaches because they occur in cyclical patterns or ‘clusters’. They tend to come on suddenly and are intense but usually quite brief.

What are migraines?

Migraines are characterised by a throbbing headache on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by other symptoms including nausea and sensitivity to light, noise or smells. Some people also experience visual or sensory disturbances, known as aura, just before the onset of the headache.

Migraines can affect people of all ages, and they are more common in women than men.

Both types of headache can be triggered by common factors such as stress, alcohol, pungent smells, bright lights, or lack of sleep, but they are both primary disorders. This means that the symptoms are the result of the headache, rather than another underlying cause.

Questions to ask if you are unsure what type of headache you have

How frequently do you get headaches?

As we have discussed, cluster headaches occur in cycles, and can happen at the same time each day for weeks or months at a time. The headaches can recur several times in one day or at night time, or they just occur every couple of days. The attacks are then followed by a remission period that lasts for months, or even years.

Migraines can occur in cycles, but not always. It’s rare to have more than one migraine in one day.

How long does the headache last?

Migraines can last for several hours, and even for up to three days if left untreated. Cluster headaches are much briefer, occurring suddenly and lasting for 15 minutes or up to two hours. This is a major difference between the two conditions, so it’s important to record the length of the headache so you can get an accurate diagnosis.

What are your main symptoms during the headache?

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are unilateral, meaning that they only occur on one side of the head. They are characterised by an intense pain that is described as a burning or stabbing sensation, usually concentrated behind the eye. Often the pain is accompanied by other symptoms including red or watery eyes, runny nose, or drooping eyelids.

During attacks, many patients cannot keep still, and feel agitated with the need to pace around.

Migraines

Migraines are characterised by a throbbing pain that is less intense than a cluster headache. It can occur on one side of the head or across the whole head, behind the eyes or around the temples. Usually patients want to lie down because movement can make them feel worse. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Some types of migraine are preceded by an aura, which are sensory changes. You may feel dizzy or fatigued during the migraine attack.

Seeking help

Both types of headache are severe and can disrupt your life. However, they can be treated and managed, so it is important to reach out to a medical professional and accurately describe your symptoms.

Interestingly, cluster headaches share some similarities with trigeminal neuralgia, as both conditions involve the trigeminal nerve, which plays a key role in facial pain disorders.

If you would like some information on trigeminal neuralgia treatment, please contact Mr Matthias Radatz of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

What Are The Causes Of Brain Freeze Or ‘Ice Cream Headache’?

Brain freeze is the common name for sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, which is a severe head pain triggered by consuming cold foods or drinks. For this reason, it’s often referred to as the ‘ice cream headache.’ The pain hits when the cold substance comes into contact with the roof of the mouth (palate) at the back of the throat.

Here’s a look at the symptoms, why brain freeze happens, how it can be managed or treated, and what to do if you suspect you have this condition.

What causes brain freeze?

The exact causes of brain freeze are not fully understood, but it’s thought that it’s linked to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensory communication between the brain and the face. When this nerve is activated by very cold temperatures, the blood vessels rapidly constrict and then dilate.

In some people, the sudden rush of blood is thought to be misinterpreted by the trigeminal nerve as pain. Not everyone has this reaction, so it’s likely that some people have more sensitive nerves than others. There’s some evidence to suggest a link between brain freeze and migraines.

The name sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia refers to the sphenopalatine ganglion, a group of nerve cells involved in facial sensation that are situated near to the roof of the mouth.

What are the symptoms of brain freeze?

Brain freeze is triggered by eating or drinking something cold, and is characterized by a brief intense pain in the forehead or temples. The pain occurs immediately after contact with the chilled substance, such as ice cream, an iced lolly, or a slushy iced drink. Occasionally, the pain may also be triggered by sudden exposure to very low environmental temperatures.

It is usually experienced as a sharp stabbing sensation that recedes quickly, typically within a minute or two and always within ten to 30 minutes after the cold stimulus has been removed. If it goes on for longer than that, this pain may have another cause and requires further investigation.

How is brain freeze treated?

Brain freeze is considered to be medically harmless, so treatment is not always necessary if the pain is very brief. Avoiding very cold foods is the most obvious way to manage the condition.

If you would still like to enjoy ice cream and other chilled foods, you could try warming your palate with a hot drink first, or warming the cold food in your mouth before swallowing it. Taking painkillers is not considered to be effective because of the sudden and temporary nature of the pain.

However, trigeminal neuralgia involves the trigeminal nerve, which is also implicated in brain freeze. Although brain freeze itself is harmless, persistent or unusual facial pain could indicate trigeminal neuralgia or another condition requiring professional attention.

Warning signs that you need to take further action

If you experience frequent sudden intense headaches that aren’t always triggered by cold, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s strongly recommended to seek medical advice. In rare cases, there may be another underlying cause for the pain, including a brain tumour, cluster headache or stroke.

For example, if you also notice eyesight changes such as blurred vision, it may be a migraine headache. You may also notice flashing lights, zig-zagging lights or a rainbow of lights, known as an aura, which often arrives before the headache and lasts for about 20 minutes. Other symptoms include light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting.

Occasionally, headaches and vision changes may be caused by a brain tumour. Other common symptoms include seizures, sickness, memory problems, behavioural changes or changes in personality, and progressive weakness or paralysis down one side of the body.

These symptoms should be checked by a GP, particularly if they are unusual for you or your headache feels different from any you have experienced before.

Repeated pain associated with the trigeminal nerve could signal conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, which require specialised treatment.

If you would like further information about face pain, trigeminal neuralgia treatment and nerves damage, please contact Mr. Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Davina McCall Recovering in Care After Rare Brain Tumour Surgery

UK television presenter Davina McCall is currently recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a rare, benign brain tumour. Known for her roles in programmes such as Long Lost Family and Your Mum, My Dad, McCall revealed that the 14mm tumour, a colloid cyst, was discovered during a routine health scan offered after a menopause talk earlier this year.

Discovery of a Rare Condition: Colloid Cysts

McCall candidly shared her journey with her fans, explaining, “I thought I was in great health and would pass the scan with flying colours. Instead, they found a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst, which is incredibly rare—only three in a million people are affected.”

Colloid cysts are fluid-filled growths located in the brain’s ventricular system, where they can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). While benign, untreated growth may lead to complications such as headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. According to experts, colloid cysts make up less than 2% of primary brain tumours, often discovered incidentally or during imaging for unrelated issues.

A Complex Surgery

To address the issue, McCall underwent a craniotomy, a surgical procedure involving the temporary removal of a portion of the skull. The surgery was described as “textbook” by her medical team. Sharing her optimism with followers, McCall said, “It’s a big tumour, and it needed to come out before it could cause any further problems. I have complete faith in my surgeon and his team. Now it’s my job to focus on recovery.”

Post-surgery, McCall is reported to be making significant progress. Her partner, Michael Douglas, provided updates via social media, stating: “She’s out of ICU and making enormous leaps in recovery. We’re so grateful for all the love and support from everyone—it means the world.”

The Recovery Journey

McCall is expected to spend about nine days in the hospital before returning home to continue her recovery. Douglas shared that McCall is “off-grid” for now to focus entirely on getting better. “She’s in great shape and excellent hands. The love and positivity coming her way is truly powerful, and we’re so thankful,” he said.

Despite being physically and emotionally exhausted, McCall has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and encouragement she’s received. She reassured fans that she will take the time needed to recover fully and hopes to read through the many kind messages sent her way.

Raising Awareness for Brain Tumours

By sharing her experience so openly, McCall has drawn attention to the importance of routine health checks and raised awareness about rare brain tumours like colloid cysts. Organisations like Brainstrust and The Brain Tumour Charity have praised her for shedding light on this little-known condition, which they believe will help others feel less isolated.

Will Jones, CEO of Brainstrust, commented: “Davina’s transparency and courage are invaluable to those living with similar diagnoses. Her story provides hope and a sense of community to many who may otherwise feel overlooked.”

A Legacy Beyond TV

Known as a vocal advocate for women’s health, McCall has contributed significantly to public discussions about issues such as menopause and contraception. Her 2022 book, Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring, aimed to dispel myths and stigma surrounding menopause.

In 2023, McCall received an MBE for her contributions to broadcasting and her advocacy efforts, cementing her place as a role model for health awareness and empowerment.

As McCall focuses on her recovery, she continues to inspire others with her strength, openness, and dedication to improving public understanding of rare health conditions.

For more information about brain tumour treatments and support, explore the services available at https://amethyst-radiotherapy.co.uk/.

Boston-London-Toronto Collaborative Clinical Neuroscience Meeting in London – 2nd Edition

On Friday 15th November, the Boston – London – Toronto Paediatric Neurovascular Collaboration Meeting will be taking place at Queen Square in London. This prestigious event will bring together three of the world’s leading children’s hospitals for a full day of debate, insights, and collaboration.

The morning session will be hosted at Great Ormond Street Hospital, while the afternoon session will take place at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, showcasing a seamless exchange of knowledge and innovation in paediatric neurovascular care.

Proud Supporters of Clinical Neuroscience

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK is proud to support the Boston–London–Toronto Collaborative Clinical Neuroscience Meeting, led by esteemed paediatric neurosurgeon Consultant Gregory James. Our continued sponsorship underscores our commitment to advancing research and clinical practices in this critical field.

Last year, we were honoured to sponsor the inaugural conference. More details about the collaboration can be found on the official BLT website.

Bringing Together Global Experts

The conference will feature leading specialists from:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard University (B)
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital UK and Children’s Charity (L)
  • SickKids Foundation, Toronto (T)

This gathering provides a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and clinical practices aimed at redefining paediatric neurovascular care.

Full Schedule

Morning Session

  • Venue: Leopard Seminar Room, Level 2, Premier Inn Clinical Building, Great Ormond Street Hospital
  • 10:00 AM: Welcome remarks – Greg James (L), Ed Smith (B), Peter Dirks (T)
  • 10:10 AM Neurovascular taxonomy – a proposed system Ed Smith (B)
  • 10:30 AM Oncogenes and vascular malformations Anoushka Alwis (L)
  • 10:50 AM Experience of our hyperacute stroke pathway – beware of the mimics! Samyami Chowdhury (T)
  • 11:10 AM Intervention for paediatric stroke – beyond structural lesions and into functional rehabilitation Alfred Pokmeng See (B)
  • 11:30 AM Metameric craniofacial AV malformations – a case series of individualised treatment and systematic review of treatment strategies in the literature Dulanka Silva
  • 11:50 AM Defining the “hungry brain” in moyamoya Laura Lehman (B)
  • 12:10 AM Lunch – Café @ 42-43 Queen Square

Afternoon Session

  • Venue: Wolfson Lecture Theatre, Queen Mary Wing, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
  • 1:00 PM Regulation of cerebral microvascular blood flow by the TMEM16A anion channel: implications for therapy Paolo Tammaro, Professor of Pharmacology, Oxford University
  • 2:00 PM Are brain AVMs congenital or developmental? Evidence from incidence in childhood Darren Orbach (B)
  • 2:20 PM The relationship between neuroimaging metrics and cognitive function in paediatric moyamoya disease Charlotte Malcolm (L)
  • 2:40 PM Cavernous malformations – current updates & guidelines from the Angioma Alliance and novel mechanistic targets from the lab Ed Smith (B)
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:20 PM Intraoperative EEG in moyamoya surgery – can we predict early post-operative TIA/stroke? Greg James (L)
  • 3:40 PM Recurrent brain AVMs: the SickKids series Peter Dirks (T)
  • 4:00 PM Cerebral arteriopathy phenotypes in PHACES Vijeya Ganesan (L)
  • 4:20 PM The direction of intervention on cerebral proliferative angiopathy Alfred Pokmeng See (B)
  • 4:40 PM Challenging case discussion BLT
  • 5:30 PM Final remarks and thank you Greg James and London team
  • 5:30 PM Drinks reception – Café @ 42-43 Queen Square
  • 7:30 PM Drinks and fun – Sixes Cricket Fitzrovia, 170 Great Portland Street

 

At Amethyst Radiotherapy UK, we are proud to support this remarkable collaboration, fostering innovation and progress in paediatric neurovascular health. We look forward to the impactful discussions and future advancements this conference will inspire.

Virus Associated With Common Colds Could Treat Brain Tumours

A genetically engineered virus is being researched as a potential treatment for aggressive brain tumours. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have drawn promising results from a phase I clinical trial involving eight brain cancer patients with glioblastoma.

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is the most common high-grade brain tumour in adults. It grows quickly, is cancerous and is likely to come back even after it has been treated. The Brain Tumour Charity explains that glioblastomas can take many different forms and they are diffuse, which means that they have tendrils that spread into other parts of the brain.

The lack of defined edges and aggressive growth makes glioblastomas particularly challenging to treat, and sadly most patients survive just 14 months after diagnosis. The first line of treatment is usually neurosurgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, if the patient is well enough to undergo this invasive procedure.

Some patients may additionally be treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In some cases, a type of stereotactic radiotherapy called Gamma Knife surgery may be appropriate. This is a highly specialised non-invasive treatment that does not involve incisions, but is a method of directly highly targeted radiation beams at the tumour from multiple angles.

The precise focus of the radiation beams enables doctors to treat very small areas of the brain without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. Most patients can be treated in a single session and are able to go home the same day. Compared to other forms of radiotherapy, Gamma Knife is considered to have fewer side effects.

Oncolytic virotherapy: a potential new brain cancer treatment

While Gamma Knife surgery is one potential treatment option, there is always research ongoing to help people recover from brain cancer and other such diseases.

For example, the research team from Queen Mary University of London, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University in Beijing, have developed a form of oncolytic virus, which is linked to the common cold.

These genetically engineered viruses (known as oncolytic virotherapy) are able to target and kill cancer cells while leaving the healthy surrounding cells unharmed, by restricting the release of the virus from the body’s cells. The virus is combined with immune boosting proteins that are then delivered directly to the cancerous cells.

Oncolytic virotherapy has previously been used to successfully treat skin cancer. However, finding the right balance is a difficult process: if the virus dose is too high, the risk of damaging side effects is too great. However, a weaker dose will not be able to tackle the cancer cells.

Professor Yaohe Wang, co-lead author of the study and inventor of the virus being tested, explained:“Most existing oncolytic viruses are ineffective at low doses and too toxic at higher doses. The key challenge is how to increase efficacy without causing harmful side effects. We believe our approach offers a way forward.”

He added: “I was introduced to the patient who had a complete response to the treatment, who shook my hand and thanked me. I was extremely touched by the experience, and it reinforced the potential of this therapy and the necessity to continue working hard on its development.”

“It’s like Yin and Yang. This virus enhances the positive signals that encourage the immune system to attack the tumour, but it could also be paired with treatments that block the tumour’s ability to suppress the immune system.”

Progression to phase II trials

After the phase I trial, one patient was in complete remission, and no serious side effects were observed. The treatment has been judged to be safe and effective for further development. The research team now plans to progress to phase II clinical trials on larger groups of patients, and will expand the research to include other cancer types.

However, while oncolytic virotherapy offers future potential, Gamma Knife surgery remains one of the most effective and minimally invasive treatments available today.

For further information about brain stem tumours glioblastoma treatment, please contact Mr Ciaran Hill of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Understanding Employment Rights For Brain Tumour Patients

A brain tumour diagnosis is a distressing experience: as well as the physical and emotional impact, there are practicalities to consider, not least income and employment. It may be necessary to take medical leave from a job for example, with no clear timescale for when it will be safe to return due to the brain tumour treatment.

What are your employment rights after a brain tumour diagnosis?

According to Brain Tumour Support, it’s not obligatory to tell an employer about a brain tumour diagnosis unless it affects your ability to do your job. However, sometimes a brain tumour can cause symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, eyesight problems, or changes in behaviour or thinking.

It is likely that you will also need to take time off to attend medical appointments even if you do not believe that your ability to work is impaired. Under the The Equality Act 2010, your legal rights to be treated without discrimination are protected.

A brain tumour may be classed as a disability, and your employer must put reasonable adjustments in place to support you. A disability is defined as “having a long-term physical or mental impairment which has a substantial adverse effect on your ability to carry out day-to-day activities.”

“Reasonable adjustments” could involve providing accessible equipment, and training staff members in how to deal with a seizure. You also have the right to be protected from unfair treatment, harassment and victimisation, and your employer should find ways to support you to continue working if you are classed as medically fit enough to do so.

If the time you need to take off exceeds the company’s sick leave allowance, you are entitled to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Some companies also have their own long-term sick pay schemes. Furthermore, if your partner or a family member needs to take time off work to support you, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance.

The importance of knowing your rights

Unfortunately, not all employers are aware or willing to comply with the regulations. The Brain Tumour Charity reports on the difficult experience of Grace, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was working as a hairdresser in Stockport, Greater Manchester, in October 2022, aged 28.

Grace’s mother Carmel is a former neurosurgical nurse, and was immediately worried when Grace was admitted to hospital following a seizure that left her lips blue.

Carmel said: “We now know that she’d had a tonic clinic seizure, and that she had been having nocturnal seizures for some time. When a consultant and a nurse came to talk to us about the scan results, I knew from my nursing days that things were serious.”

“Grace was diagnosed with epilepsy and a left frontal operculum brain tumour. It was the irritation of the mass that was causing her seizures.”

Following the diagnosis, Grace was signed off work for six weeks, and she took medication to control her seizures. Her GP recommended that she should make a phased return to work in January 2023, attending for two days per week.

Grace enjoyed her job and was looking forward to returning to the salon to catch up with her colleagues and clients. However, her manager was obstructive and did not accept the GP’s fit note.

Grace explained: “I felt like I was being a burden to the business and my manager and that every time I tried to go back to work, they kept putting barriers in place. I also felt like I was being an inconvenience as I was going to go back on sick leave again for my brain tumour operation.”

“They blamed everything on HR or health and safety advice and wouldn’t accept my GP’s fit for work return.”

Grievance and employment tribunals

Grace eventually launched a formal grievance, which was dismissed, as was the appeal. Eventually, she felt as though resigning was the only option, and she did so in May 2023. After seeking further advice, Grace decided to represent herself at an employment tribunal in April 2024.

Despite the stress of the experience in addition to the effects of the tumour, Grace found the strength to see it through. She said: “The tribunal was scary as I’ve never been in a situation like that before. It was also very upsetting as I thought my work colleagues were my friends. But I saw them in a completely different light following my diagnosis.”

She added: “I knew what they were doing was wrong but representing myself was daunting. The judge and the panel were very understanding and spoke in terms I would understand as I’m not a lawyer.”

“It was intense and upsetting but I’m so glad I did it and got the justice I deserved. Alongside that I wanted to become an advocate for anyone with hidden disabilities because we have rights and cannot be treated this way.”

The final outcome

Fortunately, Grace won her case and she was awarded compensation for lost earnings and injury to feelings, although the employer was found willing to make reasonable adjustments.

The judgement stated: “The respondent might have been better able to explain the approach that they took had they educated themselves about the claimant’s condition. They did not do so. They could have prepared for, and considered, the claimant’s return to work at an earlier stage, prior to immediately before the expiry of the claimant’s previous fit note.”

“They did not obtain occupational health advice about what was required, as they could have done.”

Grace’s story has a happy ending, following successful surgery to remove her brain tumour in October 2023. She’s also got married and found a new job where she feels welcomed and accepted by all of her colleagues.

If you would like more information about brain tumour treatment, please contact Mr Andrew McAvoy of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Clinical Trial Set For ‘Revolutionary’ Brain Surgery Device

Treating brain tumours is one of the difficult challenges in medicine. In the UK, there are an average of 12,746 new cases diagnosed each year, resulting in 5,456 deaths. Currently, only 11 per cent of brain cancer patients live for ten years or more, and little progress has been made on survival rates for over two decades.

For certain types of brain tumour, one of the most effective methods is Gamma Knife surgery, a noninvasive procedure which involves using computer guided radiation therapy to deliver highly focused gamma rays to the cancer cells. This can target areas of the brain tumour that cannot be reached by traditional neurosurgery, and can target multiple tumours.

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

It’s often used in conjunction with regular surgery to remove the parts of the tumour that were inaccessible or too risky to remove physically. It can also be used as an alternative to surgery if the patient is not a suitable candidate. Traditional neurosurgery involving incisions can be very risky, with the potential for bleeding, infections, and damage to the brain tissue.

However, not all brain tumour patients may be suitable candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife. In some cases the treatment may be focused on extending lifespan by controlling the spread of the malignant cells, rather than eliminating the cancer cells completely.

This may be particularly the case for people with glioblastomas, which are usually very fast growing and aggressive forms of brain tumour without any clear boundaries. This can make them very difficult to treat, and sadly the prognosis for most patients is just one to two years.

A potentially revolutionary approach to surgical brain cancer treatment

There have been no major new breakthroughs in the treatment of brain cancer in the last 20 years, despite ongoing clinical research. However, a groundbreaking new approach to brain cancer surgery is being trialled at Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester, the Guardian reports.

The procedure involves using a chip about the size of a postage stamp that is made out of graphene. This material was invented by a team of scientists at Manchester University 20 years ago, and is only one atom thick, but many times stronger than steel with excellent conductive properties.

The chip is known as a brain-computer interface device, and has been created through an international collaboration of scientists. It is designed to differentiate between the cancer cells and the healthy cells in the brain by detecting electrical impulses, allowing for surgical treatments to be targeted with much greater accuracy.

What the experts have to say

Carolina Aguilar, CEO and Co-Founder of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, who were involved in the research and development of the device, told Manchester University: “The world’s first human application of a graphene-based BCI highlights the transformative impact of graphene-based neural technologies in medicine.”

She added: “This clinical milestone opens a new era for BCI technology, paving the way for advancements in both neural decoding and its application as a therapeutic intervention,”

Dr. David Coope, the neurosurgeon who performed the breakthrough procedure at Salford Royal, said:

“We are capturing brain activity in areas where traditional metals and materials struggle with signal fidelity. Graphene provides ultra-high density for sensing and stimulating, which is critical to conduct high precision resections while preserving the patient’s functional capacities, such as movement, language or cognition.”

Kostas Kostarelos, a professor of nanomedicine at Manchester, was also one of the team involved in developing the BCI device. He explained to the Guardian: “This is the first ever clinical trial to be performed anywhere in the world with a graphene-based medical device.”

“Its first use will be to differentiate cancer cells from healthy cells to ensure that surgery on brain tumours is directed in a highly accurate way. We can study some electrical signals that are emitted by brain cells. However, those of very low and very high frequency are very difficult to detect in the living brain.”

“Only those in middle-range frequencies can be monitored at present. Crucially, the BCI chip can pinpoint a huge range of electrical signals in the brain, including those of very high and very low frequencies.”

It is hoped that the device can also be used to research and treat other conditions such as stroke and epilepsy.

If you would like some more information about Gamma Knife surgery and brain cancer, please contact Mr Neil Kitchen of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Pioneering Trial To Test Multiple Brain Cancer Treatments

A groundbreaking new study has been launched to enable brain cancer patients to have their genome sequenced and switch between treatments if need be. The Institute for Cancer Research reports that the study, known as the ‘next-Generation aGile Genomically Guided Glioma platform trial’, also known as the 5G platform trial, is taking place across the UK.

The trial is being funded by Cancer Research UK and the Minderoo Foundation, an Australian charity dedicated to philanthropic causes. The participants in the trial are all living with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive and fast-growing form of brain tumour. 

They will have access to targeted treatments, and the treatment plans can be rapidly adapted during the trial if there are signs that one particular option is not effective. 

Why are glioblastomas difficult to treat?

Glioblastomas are difficult to treat with conventional surgery or radiotherapy, because the tumours do not have clearly defined edges. This makes it almost impossible to remove the whole tumour with physical neurosurgery. 

In some cases, a type of stereotactic radiosurgery called Gamma Knife surgery may be used to target the cancer cells. This involves using an external machine to direct precisely targeted gamma rays at the tumour from multiple angles. 

The accuracy of the machine and the multiple angles mean that high doses of radiation can be used with minimal risk to the surrounding healthy brain tissue. This means that the patient may only need one session of treatment, whereas other forms of radiosurgery may require multiple sessions over several weeks. 

However, in the case of glioblastoma, the cancer cells can unfortunately rapidly grow back. There have been several clinical trials to develop new and more effective treatments for this type of brain tumour over the past 20 years, but unfortunately few significant breakthroughs have been made. 

The 5G Platform trial could offer a long-awaited breakthrough

Dr Juanita Lopez, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Group Leader in Early Phase Drug Development at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

“We have seen progress made in better treating many types of cancer in recent decades, but less so in brain cancers like glioblastoma. The 5G platform trial presents a unique opportunity to work in new and exciting ways to find better treatment options for this patient population.”

Dr Richard Mair, Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and co-lead of the Brain Cancer Virtual Institute at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, said: “Brain cancers like glioblastoma are notoriously difficult to treat. I am excited to co-lead this world-first trial designed with this cancer type in mind.

“The use of whole genome sequencing for every patient on the trial performed in ‘real time’ enables us to be both agile and precise in our drug targeting. We hope that this approach will help patients with this cancer of unmet need.”

Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell said: “Brain tumours are notoriously hard to treat because we still don’t know enough about the biology of the disease, and current treatments are not effective enough.

“This new trial offers something different because researchers will use the DNA of participants to help them target treatments. Whole genome sequencing tests can give clues about how a cancer may have developed, how it will behave and what treatment options would work best.”

“More research is needed, but it is hoped that the technology could one day be used within the NHS to improve the treatment and care of people with cancer.”

The first treatment sites for the 5G trial opened in August this year, and more sites are expected to be launched during the coming months. The trial is open to brain cancer patients aged 16 or above, and will offer the chance to have personalised and cutting edge treatment plans. 

If you would like more information about brain stem tumours and glioblastoma, please contact Mr. Ciaran Hill of Amethyst Radiotherapy.