Amethyst Radiotherapy Uk Achieves Remarkable Four Year 84% Patient Growth

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK is proud to announce an impressive 84% growth in the number of patients annually treated in 2024, compared to 2020 when Amethyst Healthcare acquired the network. This development includes a 70.1% increase in NHS patients, underscoring Amethyst’s commitment to work in partnership with the health service in order to deliver the highest quality of cancer care, driving down waiting times and improving patient outcomes.

Amethyst UK operates two stereotactic ‘centres of excellence’, in London and Sheffield. Both dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art Gamma Knife treatment. Gamma Knife is not a knife in the normal sense of the word. No incisions are made in the patient’s head. Instead, very precisely focused beams of radiation are directed to the treatment area in the brain, optimised to hit only the target while preserving healthy tissue.

It offers a safe and effective treatment for more than 80,000 patients worldwide every year. The treatment procedure is simple and straightforward.

Sophie Ward, Group Chief Marketing Officer, commented:

“We are thrilled to see such robust growth in the number of patients we’ve been able to treat over the past four years. This is a testament to the work of the entire Amethyst team, which has enabled such a huge number of patients to benefit from our world-leading services.

With the NHS under such intense pressure, we stand ready to provide further support if necessary in order to drive down waiting times and provide for patients.

To deliver this growth throughout such a challenging period including the COVID pandemic, speaks volumes about what Amethyst is capable of providing. We look forward to building on this success, benefiting both NHS and private patients.”

Looking ahead, Amethyst Radiotherapy UK plans to expand its capabilities and enhance its service offerings to meet the growing demand for cancer care. The company’s vision includes partnerships with NHS trusts and private healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment.

About Amethyst Radiotherapy UK Amethyst Radiotherapy is a leading provider of advanced radiotherapy services, dedicated to delivering world-class cancer care. With a focus on innovative treatment solutions and compassionate care, Amethyst strives to improve the quality of life for patients across the UK and beyond.

Amethyst Healthcare is a leading European provider of cancer care, specialising in radiation therapy and non-invasive outpatient treatments for a wide range of tumour types.

Mr Radatz Chairs Expert Discussion On Metastases At BRSS

We are delighted that members of our medical team have presented at the 9th Annual Meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on January 23-24. Amethyst Radiotherapy also provided sponsorship for the event.

On Friday 24 January, Mr Matthias Radatz chaired a panel discussion titled: “What’s the Limit to the Number of Metastases That We Can Treat?”

Amethyst Radiotherapy is one of the very few healthcare providers in the UK that specialises in the use of Gamma Knife technology to treat certain types of neurological disorders and brain tumours, working alongside NHS Trusts and with private patients.

Where brain metastases are concerned, one of the biggest challenges is how treatment can be delivered effectively across the blood-brain barrier, as well as the number and size of metastases, the potential for radiation-related cognitive impairment, the individual’s general health and how aggressive the primary cancer is.

Current treatment options for brain tumours include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy and Gamma Knife surgery, which is what Amethyst Radiotherapy specialises in.

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery. It is not the type of surgery that involves making incisions with a knife, but is a form of radiation therapy delivered from an external machine. It makes use of highly focused beams of gamma radiation that are directed from multiple angles to safely deliver a high dose of radiation to the affected area.

It is mainly used to treat malignant and benign brain tumours, trigeminal neuralgia, and acoustic neuromas.

How is Gamma Knife surgery delivered?

The patient is fitted with a head frame to ensure that the treatment area is still during the radiation delivery. The exact location and size of the tumour (or other disorder) is accurately pinpointed with a CT or MRI scan, and the medical team uses this information to calculate the radiation beam positioning and dose.

What are the advantages of the procedure?

In most cases, the treatment is delivered in a single session, which causes minimal discomfort and has a low risk of side effects. The patient will usually be able to resume normal activities within a day or two. The treatment is regarded as effective, and avoids the need for much riskier traditional neurosurgery.

Amethyst Radiotherapy: Proud To Be An Elekta Reference Site

The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London, as a centre of excellence, became a part of the Amethyst Group in 2020, and in 2024 we were proud to become an official Elekta reference site.

Elekta provides leading edge radiation therapy systems, including Gamma Knife equipment, to treat complex brain cancers in an effective and non-invasive manner.

The official recognition by Elekta consolidates our reputation as one of the most highly regarded centres in the world for the treatment of brain tumours and certain other neurological conditions.

Our medical team specialise in the use of Gamma Knife surgery, a type of stereotactic radiosurgery. We welcome the global radiation oncology community to visit and observe our use of Gamma Knife in clinical practice.

Here’s an overview of the treatment process.

Outpatient appointment

The process begins with an outpatient appointment, following a referral by a clinician. If you are confirmed as a suitable candidate for Gamma Knife treatment, you will be invited to meet with a consultant and members of the radiography team. Family and friends are welcome to come along to the appointment, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.

Treatment day

On the day of your treatment, you’ll be asked to come to the centre early in the morning, so you may wish to arrange overnight accommodation if you don’t live within convenient travelling distance. You will meet with your medical team, who will explain the schedule for the day.

Frame fitting

The next step is to have a head frame fitted, which will prevent your head from moving during the scans and radiation delivery process. The lightweight frame is secured with four pins, and a local anaesthetic will be used to avoid discomfort at the sites where the pins will be secured. You may be given the option to wear a lightweight mask as an alternative.

Image mapping

The next stage involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (or sometimes a CT scan) of your head. The images from the scan allow the medical team to precisely determine the exact size, location, and shape of the tumour or other source of disorder in your brain. The process usually takes around 30 minutes.

You will then have some waiting time while your care team uses the images to draw up a bespoke treatment plan.

The treatment process

Once the consultant has approved your treatment plan, you’ll be ready to start the radiosurgery. During the process, you will lie down wearing the headframe, with your head placed in a ring shaped machine. The medical team will not be present in the delivery room, but you will be able to communicate with them through audio or visual technology.

The length of the treatment will vary depending on the size and type of the tumour or other disorder.

Post-treament

After the treatment, you’ll be invited to rest for an hour or so. The medical team will review your treatment, and in the majority of cases, you will be fit and well enough to return home.

BRSS Discussion: The Treatment Of Large Brain Metastases

Amethyst Radiotherapy are proud to have sponsored the 9th Annual Meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on 23-24 January. Several members of our medical team took part in panel discussions, giving talks and chairing sessions.

On Thursday 23 January, Mr Kitchen joined the afternoon panel session, focusing on the treatment of large metastases.

Here’s a brief overview of brain metastases treatment.

What are brain metastases?

When cancer cells spread from another part of the body to the brain, and a tumour or mass develops as a result, it’s referred to as brain metastases (or secondary brain cancer). Any type of cancer can spread to the brain, but it most often occurs with primary cancers of the lung, breast, bowel or kidney, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

How are brain metastases treated?

It is possible to treat, but not cure, secondary brain cancer. The type of treatment will be tailored to the size, location, and number of brain tumours. Other considerations include the type and size of the primary cancer, and if it has spread to any other parts of the body. The age and general health of the patient may also be taken into consideration.

The most common treatment options include the following:

Surgery

Surgery may be used to remove a single large secondary brain tumour if the patient is a suitable candidate. If it is not possible to remove the whole tumour, or there are other smaller tumours present, another type of treatment may be required. Surgery is most often carried out to relieve pressure that is building up inside the skull.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy involves using radiation to destroy the cancer cells. The type of radiotherapy used to treat brain metastases will depend on the size, position, and number of tumours present. Whole brain radiotherapy may be used if there are multiple large tumours that might be putting other areas of the brain at risk.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

In cases of secondary brain cancer involving smaller tumours, or one single tumour, the patient may be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (sometimes also known as Gamma Knife surgery). Despite the name, this is not surgery in the traditional sense that involves making incisions into the brain.

It is carried out by targeting a precisely focused, high dose of radiation on the tumour cells only. Due to the high doses of radiation involved, it usually only requires one session of treatment. The highly accurate targeting also reduces the impact on the surrounding healthy brain tissue, minimising the risk of side effects.

Chemotherapy and targeted drug treatments

In some cases, it may be appropriate to treat the patient with anti-cancer drugs such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Immunotherapy is increasingly used as a brain tumour treatment, which causes the immune system to attack the cancer cells.

Combination therapies for cancer treatment are an emerging field, so some treatments may be carried out as part of clinical trials.

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.