How We Can Treat Tumours That Threaten The Brain Stem

Cancer affects nearly one in two people in their lives and a not insignificant proportion of patients have brain tumours to deal with, which can be fatal but is not completely untreatable. However, not all tumours are cancerous.

The term ‘benign tumour’ is one you may have heard and could even have been diagnosed with. However, the word benign does not mean the same thing as harmless. It may not be cancerous, but it can cause problems of all sorts when it reaches a certain size and starts pressing on particular nerves, parts of the brain or the brain stem.

Tumours are, therefore, varied in nature. However, location can be critical in determining what kind of problems they pose and how they can be treated. Often, radiotherapy is the best option and more appropriate and effective than surgery or chemotherapy. On other occasions, different treatments may be effectively used in combination.

This is where our expert Mr George Samandouras comes to the fore, because one of the greatest dangers can come from brain stem tumours and his expertise is in dealing with these and glioblastoma, a specific kind of brain tumour.

Brain Stem Gliomas

Brain stems can be affected both directly and indirectly by tumour growth. The direct kind comes in the form of brain stem gliomas, which start in the brain stem. They can be cancerous, but are often not and while they are more common in children, they can often appear in adults too.

These come in three kinds that arise from different sorts of stem cells, which are astrocytomas, oligodendromas and ependymomas, which come from astrocyte, oligodendrocyte and ependymal cells respectively. All three include some tumours that are cancerous and some not.

The latter distinction is a key issue when it comes to the risk to life, as cancer in this area can spread easily, making treatment vital. A non-cancerous tumour typically causes severe headaches in adults and this, plus several other symptoms, in children.

Critically, because of its location, a brain stem glioma cannot always be excised with invasive surgery although this is sometimes possible. In any case, radiotherapy is a common means of treating it, as is chemotherapy.

The Survival Outlook

Because a brain stem glioma is incurable, it cannot be removed entirely, but treatment can extend life considerably, as well as provide some relief for symptoms.

According to a 2016 review published by Frontiers in Oncology, the average survival time for adults after diagnosis is 30-40 months. This worsens with age, with a median survival time of 34 months for those aged 22-59, but just 14.5 months for over 60s.

The other way the brain stem can be impacted by a tumour is if it starts elsewhere and then grows to the point where it spreads to the brain stem.

Acoustic Neuromas

A prime example of a tumour that does this is an acoustic neuroma. These tumours start off growing by the vestibulocochlear nerve, with the normal symptoms of these benign tumours being hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus and vertigo.

While those elements can be deeply troubling and may be treated with radiotherapy to relieve them, an acoustic neuroma is very slow growing and often it simply be monitored. It does not actually grow in the brain, but presses on it and can do so more as it grows. However, it can be deadly if this spreads and grows to press on the brain or cerebellum.

This particular kind of tumour is commonly treated by radiotherapy. This is preferable to invasive surgery because that can cause hearing loss and in one case, translabyrinthine surgery, it will definitely cause a loss of hearing as that requires removing a bone from the inner ear.

For acoustic neuroma, single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery can be used in a single session of multiple beams, or Multi-session fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, which involves multiple daily sessions over a period of weeks, the latter being a better option for preserving hearing.

While these choices can be dictated by the risks to a patient’s hearing, if the tumour is growing and threatening the brain stem the choice is all about what can do the most to prevent it from pressing on the stem, be it excision of shrinkage through radiation therapy.

Because the brain stem is such a sensitive area, it certainly requires some very highly skilled work to reduce tumours in or near it, whether this be by radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy or any combination of these.

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

Common Antidepressant May Be Useful To Treat Brain Tumours

A new study has found that a common antidepressant called vortioxetine is “unexpectedly effective” against brain tumours. Science Daily reports that researchers in Zurich have discovered that the antidepressant, which is already approved for market use and widely available, can kill cancer cells in aggressive glioblastoma brain tumours.

New hope for treating aggressive glioblastomas

The research team, led by ETH Zurich Professor Berend Snijder, have found that in laboratory tests, the antidepressant vortioxetine is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is a major stumbling block in the progression of effective brain tumour treatments.

The study was carried out using pharmacoscopy, which is a method of testing multiple substances at once on cancer tissue. The researchers tested up to 130 different neuroactive agents such as Parkinson’s medication, antipsychotics and antidepressants. Of all the drugs tested, vortioxetine had the most efficacy.

What is the blood-brain barrier?

The blood-brain barrier is a semi-permeable barrier that allows necessary nutrients to pass through, while protecting the brain from harmful substances. It’s essential to maintain proper neural functioning, but it can also prevent chemotherapy drugs from reaching cancer cells in the brain.

Researchers into neural diseases such as brain tumours, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are currently exploring ways to bypass the blood-brain barrier, which will hopefully lead to further discoveries such as the recent development in Zurich.

It could offer a new treatment for patients with tumour types that are very difficult to remove with traditional surgery, such as glioblastomas.

A potentially effective and affordable new treatment?

The drug is comparatively cheap, at £40 for 28 tablets, and it can be potentially combined with standard brain tumour drugs to provide a breakthrough in treatment. The researchers are now starting the process of recruiting brain tumour patients to take part in a clinical trial.

Michael Weller, Professor at the University Hospital Zurich, Director of the Department of Neurology and coauthor of the study published in Nature Medicine said:

“The advantage of vortioxetine is that it is safe and very cost-effective. As the drug has already been approved, it doesn’t have to undergo a complex approval procedure and could soon supplement the standard therapy for this deadly brain tumour.”

Human clinical trials are still needed

However, Prof Weller pointed out that the research is still in the very early stages, and there are many questions still to answer. He also warned people with brain tumours not to use the drug in an attempt to treat themselves without expert medical supervision.

He explained: “We don’t yet know whether the drug works in humans and what dose is required to combat the tumour, which is why clinical trials are necessary. Self-medicating would be an incalculable risk.” Prof Snijder added: “So far, it’s only been proven effective in cell cultures and in mice.”

However, Prof Snijder remains optimistic about the findings: “We started with this terrible tumour and found existing drugs that fight against it. We show how and why they work, and soon we’ll be able to test them on patients.”

Major Brain Tumour Research charity is optimistic about the news

Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research, Policy and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research said: “Although this research is still in its early stages, it is encouraging to see a potential new treatment for glioblastoma – a tumour type that has seen no changes in standard of care for 20 years.”

“At Brain Tumour Research we have always been supportive of attempts to boost drug repurposing as they can quickly be translated into the clinic. Repurposed drugs, such as vortioxetine, already have a proven safety profile, which helps reduce the amount of testing required, speeding up the process.”

“As with all breakthroughs related to repurposed medications that have yet to go through disease-specific clinical trials, we encourage patients and their families not to self-medicate but to speak with their doctor, as the risks are unknown, especially with strong antidepressants.”

Amethyst Radiotherapy Announces Pilot Results from Wraparound Care Package for NHS Brain Tumour Patients

Amethyst Radiotherapy, a leader in cutting-edge cancer treatment, has announced its results from a new pilot in partnership with Reframe Cancer – the project supported 32 individuals, all but two were NHS patients. The ground-breaking approach has offered Amethyst patients, including NHS, access to an unprecedented level of wraparound care.

This collaboration and pilot is fully funded by Amethyst Radiotherapy who have an ongoing partnership with UCLH (University College London Hospitals) and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) which has led to a growing number of NHS patients being treated with state-of-the-art Amethyst services.

This partnership further underscores Amethyst’s commitment to delivering exceptional care and improving outcomes for individuals undergoing Gamma Knife treatment.

Patients have been offered unprecedented care throughout the entire course of their treatment, being provided with emotional and holistic support prior to, during and post, with concierge levels of care throughout.

This partnership has helped to significantly improve the patient experience – it will also lead to fewer missed appointments due to ongoing support and regular contact with patients. Staff also reported a significantly lower amount of anxiety pre-treatment, although this is not yet possible to quantify.

The pilot has been incredibly successful, with 32 Amethyst patients experiencing the unprecedented level of wraparound care.

Key Components of the Care Package

1. Pre-Treatment Education:

48 hours prior to treatment, patients receive a full explanation on what the treatment entails on the day of admission, and how to best prepare for the treatment allowing patients to feel more confident and relaxed on arrival at the hospital.

2. Point of contact:

Patients will be able to make contact with any questions they have prior to treatment – a qualified professional will also be available to offer emotional support if required.

3. Transport and Practical Assistance:

Once a patient is booked in, transport will be available if required. They will also have access to any practical advice they request regarding their appointment.

4. Appointment Reminders:

The patient will be contacted personally 48 hours prior to treatment to prevent missed appointments.

5. Post-Treatment Care

Patients will continue to receive support following treatment. This includes contact reminders for when to stop taking medication. The patient will also receive detailed information on aftercare and precautions to take.

6. Wellbeing Check-Ins

Post treatment within 48 hours to assess patient wellbeing and collect feedback as well as being an emotional support (timeframe and frequency to be agreed).

Leadership Perspectives on the Impact of Wraparound Care Program

Amethyst CEO Stephane Carré commented:

“At Amethyst Radiotherapy, we are driven by the belief that exceptional cancer care extends beyond cutting-edge treatments. Our pilot project in collaboration with Reframe Cancer has proven that comprehensive, holistic support can make a profound difference in patient experience and outcomes. By offering emotional, practical, and educational support throughout the entire treatment journey, we’ve helped our NHS patients feel more confident and comfortable. This level of care is a testament to our commitment to improving the lives of those we treat.”

Gretchen Tenorio, Amethyst Clinical Operations Manager added:

“I’m incredibly proud of our clinical team and the exceptional care we provide to our Gamma Knife patients at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Our partnership with Reframe and Amethyst has been invaluable, enabling us to manage caseloads efficiently while ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality, focused treatment they deserve.”

Mark Stephenson, CEO at Reframe Cancer said:

“We are incredibly proud of the results and patient feedback from our partnership with Amethyst. By offering a comprehensive wraparound care package, we have been able to provide NHS patients with an exceptional level of support throughout their treatment journey. This partnership not only improves patient outcomes but also demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative cancer care.”

Testimonials from Patients:

Lakshmi Devika Jayasekara – NHS (Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Patrick Grover’s patient)

From the very beginning I was a little reluctant to do Gamma Knife because I was scared so in the first place when I received the treatment date in February, I was so scared and then after the discussion with one of your colleagues, she was really helpful in understanding my part of the story, and then she said it’s okay if you want to postpone it and it takes the time to think about it so you take your time, and likewise that’s how I ended up doing Gamma Knife in August. My kids are looking after me and I planned everything so it’s not like you know you were not dragging, not forcing anything that. So, you guys supported me there.

Once I fixed the date, I was asked to come for the pre-OP, then after you guys gave me the nursing person (Reframe) who can talk to me. And what she did was amazing, she talked to me, and you know even though logistical advice, these discussions helped me a lot, making up mind, fixing up my pins and that sort of things.

On the day before, during pre-OP, I was explained to in length what to expect, and it was clearly mentioned about the consent and everyone was very professional, very kind.

On the day, I was welcomed, I was greeted very well, you guys are really friendly, and it relaxed me a lot. I had this claustrophobia, and you guys were really understanding in that sense. I actually literally run off from the MRI, but you gave me time and you explained the importance of the whole process.

I requested some music throughout and my requests were answered. I was very happy about the entire process. And I was spoken after. I really liked them team and they were very nice.

Nicola Charlemagne – NHS: (Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Neil Kitchen’s patient)

Everyone was very helpful, very reassuring, talked me through everything I needed to know. I was very happy with the treatment. I was obviously anxious about what I was going to go through, and I felt they told me what I needed to know, every step of the way (both clinical and Reframe teams). The staff was absolutely amazing.

Kinza Mahmud – NHS (Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Lewis Thorne’s patient)

Overall, everything was pretty smooth, I was very happy. The preview I was given before, and that I was told about the process, what is going to happen before and during that was great.

Kaveesha Thayalan – PP (Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Patrick Grover’s patient)

Everything has been incredibly positive, all the calls beforehand were really helpful, what the procedure is going to be like and everybody in the centre was extremely lovely. I was happy with the service (Reframe) definitely, I think because I don’t have much experience with going for the procedures, it was extremely helpful to give me some context. The calls after the procedure were also very helpful.

Funding Scheme Prompts Call For New Brain Tumour Research

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has launched two new calls for vital research into brain tumours, as new funding opportunities have been created. It’s described as the largest combined initiative of its kind, and the aim is to step up the level and quality of research to improve patient outcomes for brain tumours.

The funding is administered by the NIHR and the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM). Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: “Every brain cancer diagnosis has a life-changing impact on the patient and their families.”

“Innovative research is vital in our fight against this devastating disease, ensuring people are offered the most cutting-edge treatments and the highest quality care. These new research opportunities will bolster this approach – helping to speed up the diagnosis of tumours and aiding the recovery of patients.”

Why are brain tumours often difficult to treat?

Patient outcomes for many types of cancer have improved over the last 20 years, but unfortunately little progress has been made for brain tumours. The prognosis for glioblastoma, one of the most common and aggressive types of brain tumour, is just 12-18 months, and only five per cent of patients survive more than five years.

The blood-brain barrier

One of the reasons that medical advancements that have improved survival rates for other cancer patients have not reached brain cancers is that chemotherapy is usually less effective. This is because the blood-brain barrier, which is a network of blood vessels that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain, also stops cancer drugs from entering.

Researchers hope that eventually, they will be able to make a drug that can successfully pass through the blood-brain barrier and act on the tumour cells while not damaging the surrounding healthy brain tissue.

The complexities of surgery

The first line of treatment for brain tumour is often surgery to physically remove the brain tumour. However, the brain is a highly complex organ and tumours often have no clearly defined edge, making it impossible to remove them completely.

Some types of brain tumour grow fast and quickly spread to other parts of the brain, so even after the mass of the tumour is removed, it can soon start growing back.

Radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery

External radiotherapy is another way to treat brain tumours, and is commonly used to target the parts of the tumour that could not be removed by traditional surgery. Radiotherapy destroys the cancer cells by directing high doses of radiation directly at the tumour cells to kill them.

This treatment is usually delivered in multiple short sessions over a period of three to six weeks. It can be used to slow the progression of the tumour and extend survival rates.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, sometimes called Gamma Knife surgery, is sometimes offered to patients with smaller tumours. It needs highly specialist equipment and specific skills, so it is only available at a limited number of hospitals around the country. It is not surgery, but a type of radiotherapy that involves delivering precisely targeted Gamma rays from multiple angles.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is most commonly used to treat vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, pituitary gland tumour, or secondary brain tumours that have spread from another part of the body. It’s usually delivered in a single treatment rather than multiple sessions.

Hope for further breakthroughs

Despite the challenges, many people in the medical community are hopeful that new innovative approaches and ideas will improve the outcome for brain tumour patients in the future.

Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO, said: “The approach announced today will drive forward transformative brain tumour research to improve how we prevent, detect, manage and treat brain tumours, in both adults and children. We would like our investment to see scientific advancements translate into better outcomes for patients and their families.

“We are committed to increasing our support for high quality brain tumour research, ensuring that funding is used in the most meaningful and impactful way.

“As we continue this journey together, I call upon the brain tumour research community to take up this opportunity for collaboration to drive innovation that will help us embed the needs of patients, carers, researchers, and clinicians at every stage in this step-change.”

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

Paralympic Gold Medalist With MS Triumphs In Paris Games

The Paralympic Games are drawing to a close, with an excellent performance by Team GB as they are very high up in the medals table and set to equal or surpass their gold medal tally in Tokyo 2021. All of the athletes perform at the highest level whilst managing an often complex and unpredictable illness or injury.

Kadeena Cox defies unhelpful MS stereotypes

One of the many success stories this year is the cyclist Kadeena Cox, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014 at the age of 23, following a stroke. Before her diagnosis, Cox was already a competitive sprint cyclist and took part in non-disabled sporting events.

After her diagnosis, Cox transferred to para athletic events, but in an interview with BBC Sport, the athlete explained that she almost gave up sport altogether after her first year. She said: “[Transitioning to Para sport required] having to try and manage a body that now didn’t do what I wanted it to do all the time.”

“Riding can’t always be perfect. I think I overcompensated and just couldn’t balance on my weaker side.” She added that her time in Paris “has felt like a rollercoaster, I guess that’s just multiple sclerosis.”

Cox continued: “There were a few things to have to get my head around physically and mentally. I was having to think about how much training I can do, how much I can push myself, having to figure out how to neutralise and access the strength in my right side because it is worse than my left side.”

Overcoming setbacks to take a place on the podium

Cox had a nightmare start to the Paralympic Games when she slipped and crashed during the women’s C4-5 500m time trial. However, she bounced back quickly and went on to take gold in the C1-5 750m team sprint.

This impressive achievement overturns the unhelpful stereotypes that exist around people with MS. People often wrongly assume that the condition leaves you wheelchair bound, in need of lots of rest, and unable to work or exercise, let alone take part in elite sporting events.

What are the typical symptoms of MS?

MS is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath around the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, causing disruption to the functioning of the central nervous system.

This can cause a range of symptoms, but because the nerve damage occurs in different places there is no uniform set of symptoms. Furthermore, the degree of severity varies: it can be mild, moderate or severe.

The most common symptoms include fatigue, unusual skin sensations, problems with eyesight, walking difficulties, stiffness and spasms, and cognitive impairment.

Often people with MS also experience pain caused by nerve damage or muscle strain. In rarer cases, they may have a particular type of intense shooting facial pain known as trigeminal neuralgia. This can sometimes be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery, especially if painkillers are not able to manage the pain.

The disease progresses at different rates, with some people experiencing relapse and recurrence of symptoms, and others experiencing a more linear progression as time goes on. The causes of MS are largely unknown, although there is thought to be a small genetic element, and it’s more common in people who live in the northern hemisphere.

Why it’s important for people with MS to stay active

Exercise can help MS patients to manage their symptoms and stay mobile for longer. It reduces muscle stiffness, soreness and weakness and can help to improve balance, reducing the risk of falls.

Kadeena Cox reflected on her amazing achievement:  “I managed to get back from being diagnosed to being a champion within a year, which was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself! I had to advocate for myself from the word go and I probably could have been so much further along if I didn’t have all those nerves, but it made me a tough cookie.”

“You’ll find the sport that fits you rather than necessarily like you fit in sport, but when you’re young enjoyment is the most important thing. You’ll naturally find what you love, and if you love it in the beginning it makes it easier when you’re old like me!”

Cox is a wonderful example of how sport enhances overall quality of life and can boost self esteem, whatever your situation.

If you would like some more information on MS and Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

The Truth Behind These Common Myths About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system attacks the protective substance that covers the nerve fibres in the spinal cord and the brain, interfering with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

MS can cause a variety of symptoms, and progress in different ways. According to the MS Trust, there are about 150,000 people in the UK living with the condition but it is widely misunderstood, and there can be differences of opinion even within the medical community. Here’s a look at some of the most common MS myths and what the truth is.

MS only affects mobility

Many people assume that people with MS only have symptoms such as difficulty walking, tremors, and muscle weakness. It is true that these are very common symptoms of MS, but as the condition affects the central nervous system, it can cause a very wide range of other symptoms.

These include cognitive changes and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety; fatigue, vision problems; and bladder and bowel issues. Pain is another common MS symptom that can be debilitating. It can be caused by muscle damage or nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia, which is a sudden and severe facial pain.

MS only affects older people

It is often assumed that MS is a condition of old age, because some of the symptoms may resemble those of the frail and elderly. However, most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and it is relatively rare to be diagnosed in later middle or old age.

MS means that you will need a wheelchair

It is often mistakenly assumed that an MS diagnosis will mean that a few years down the line you will have to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. However, everyone’s symptoms are unique to them and progress at different rates. Some people will only ever have mild symptoms and never need to use mobility aids, although a minority will use crutches or a wheelchair.

MS is a terminal disease

A diagnosis of MS does not mean that you have a fatal disease. It is a lifelong condition and it is currently considered to be incurable, but it is not a terminal condition that directly results in death. However, research is continually ongoing to understand the causes of MS and to develop new and more effective treatments.

Eventually, many scientists and MS medical professionals are hopeful that one day a cure for MS could be discovered.

MS is a hereditary condition

Scientists believe that to a certain extent, our genes do play a role in the likelihood of developing MS. However, having a parent or other close relative with the disease does not automatically mean that you will also develop it. Similarly, if you have MS, this does not mean that your children will automatically develop it as well.

However, there is a genetic component to the disease, so it does heighten the risk that it will be passed on through families.

People with MS should not have active lifestyles

It is a myth that people with MS need to spend most of their time resting at home and that they should not work or exercise. For some people, the severity of their symptoms may mean that their daily activities become more limited. However, exercise is considered to be beneficial for MS patients, and not doing any could make the symptoms worse.

According to researchers, exercise can have several benefits for MS patients: “Appropriate exercise can cause noteworthy and important improvements in different areas of cardio respiratory fitness (Aerobic fitness), muscle strength, flexibility, balance, fatigue, cognition, quality of life and respiratory function in MS patients.”

“Aerobic exercise training with low to moderate intensity can result in the improvement of aerobic fitness and reduction of fatigue in MS patients affected by mild or moderate disability.”

MS is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but with the right information and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and continue to live a rewarding and meaningful life.

If you would like some more information on MS and Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

New £400m Partnership between Government and Industry to revolutionise Brain Tumour Research and Clinical Trials

New £400m Partnership between Government and Industry to revolutionise Brain Tumour Research and Clinical Trials

The government and the private sector have launched a new partnership that will see £400m invested in the life sciences sector. The Brain Tumour Research (BTR) charity reports that The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme will boost economic growth and competitiveness in the sector. 

The collaboration will support faster access to cutting edge treatments, strengthen clinical trials, and improve UK medicine manufacturing, which will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. The BTR explain that they will monitor the progress of the scheme carefully, because historically brain tumour research has been underfunded and neglected.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This private investment is a significant vote of confidence in the UK and will fast-track the next generation of treatments to NHS patients. It will enhance the UK’s global competitiveness and transform the country into the epicentre of health research, supporting an NHS fit for the future.”

“By cutting waiting lists and fixing our NHS, we can make it an engine for growth and build the healthy society needed for a healthy economy.”

What are the issues with brain tumour research funding?

Since 1971, BTR explains that there has been an overall increase in survival of less than ten per cent for people with high grade brain tumours, which is less than the progress in survival rates for most other types of cancer. They point out that of £590m spent by the government on cancer research, only 1.9 per cent was spent in brain tumours.

However, the problem cannot simply be resolved by allocating more funding. Indeed, £40m was allocated to the sector in 2017, yet five years later, only £15m of this funding was spent. BTR have called for the government to work more closely with brain tumour researchers and charities to identify the best ways of allocating new funding.

The BTR also calls for researchers from other fields to take part in brain tumour research in order to deepen and broaden the field. For example, they suggest that early career researchers in fields such as oncology, neurology and neuroscience could direct their expertise towards cancer. They also call for more doctors to specialise in neurology. 

How might the new investment scheme help?

A major barrier to more effective progress in brain tumour treatments is a lack of access to clinical trials. The new scheme will prioritise clinical trials and streamline the process, potentially leading to more frequent high-quality trials in the field. 

The government press release confirms that 18 new clinical trial hubs will be set up across the UK to boost access and accelerate the research process. 

Richard Torbett, ABPI Chief Executive, said: “The life science industry has the potential to deliver so much more for the UK – but to do this we need to fix the NHS, improve patient access to medicines and invest more in our critical science and regulatory infrastructure.”

“This world-first investment programme puts industry money behind the government’s vision to make better health and science a driver of economic growth.”

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We are determined that the most effective new treatments are made available to NHS patients by ensuring the UK is the best place to discover and deploy new medicines, from early research through clinical trials to manufacture.”

“Investing in cutting-edge medicines research both boosts our economic growth potential and the prospect of new treatments and technologies for modern patient care. Support for clinical trials is integral to both.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, DHSC Chief Scientific Adviser and CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), said: “I am delighted that the Chief Scientific Advisers for Health across the UK are working closely together to bring potential new treatments from companies in the life sciences sector to patients.”

It is hoped that the VPAG will reinvigorate the field of brain tumour research, and also more broadly improve the development of cutting edge new medicines in the UK. This will help to transform the NHS into a health service fit for the challenges of the 21st century. It will also enable NHS patients to have faster access to potentially life-saving clinical trials. 

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

Dance Musician Matt McBriar of Bicep Reveals Treatment for Pituitary Tumour

The music producer best known as half of the dance music act Bicep has revealed that he is undergoing treatment for a large and rare pituitary gland tumour. BBC News reports that Matt McBriar, who is from Belfast but based in London, posted information about his condition on his Instagram account. 

Mr McBriar, 38, explained that he had been diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma tumour on his pituitary gland, after experiencing fatigue and headaches. 

He posted: “Towards the end of 2023, I got some intense localised headaches matched with a weird fatigue that felt new. I got several blood tests in spring 2024 which came back indicating that something was wrong, so my GP arranged an MRI followed by a CT scan.”

The results of the scan showed a craniopharyngioma tumour, a large and quite rare type of tumour growing on his pituitary gland. 

Mr McBriar said: “The good news is firstly, it’s almost certainly not cancerous and secondly, I’ve caught it in the earlier stages of damage. I’d been very lucky to get those initial blood tests followed by an MRI. Had it been much longer I might’ve lost some eyesight and a load of other problems due to the size and position of the tumour pressing on my optic nerves.”

Following successful surgery to remove the tumour on 9 August, Mr McBriar is recovering for six to eight weeks. In the meantime, his Bicep partner Andy Ferguson will continue to perform their breakbeat techno music solo at various venues, including the Creamfields Festival on 22-25 August. 

The Belfast duo have had various hits and reached number two in the album charts with their record Isles in 2021. In the same year, they were nominated for two Brit Awards for best British group and breakthrough artist. They are a hugely successful and popular festival act, with an atmospheric sound and captivating visuals. 

What are pituitary gland tumours?

Pituitary gland tumours (sometimes called pituitary adenomas) are usually benign (non cancerous) tumours that grow in the pituitary gland. This is a small gland located at the base of the brain behind the nose, and it produces the hormones that control the levels of other hormones in the body. About one in every 17 tumours diagnosed is a pituitary gland tumour. 

Different types of pituitary tumours

Functioning

Pituitary tumours that make hormones are known as functioning (or secreting) tumours, and they are divided into subcategories depending on what type of hormone is being produced.  These types of tumours can cause notable side effects because of the unbalance of hormones in the body.

Somatotroph adenomas make growth hormones, and they can cause abnormal growth spurts in young people, and in young adults they may cause overgrown hands, feet, and lower jaw. 

Tumours that make adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH) stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. This can cause a range of symptoms including weight gain, a red rounded face, and high blood pressure. There are several other types of functioning pituitary gland tumours.

Non-functioning tumours

Non-functioning pituitary gland tumours (sometimes called non secreting) are tumours that don’t produce hormones. However, as in Mr McBriar’s case, they can press on the optic nerve, potentially causing vision disturbance or even sight loss. They can also cause fatigue and headaches. 

How are pituitary gland tumours treated?

The treatment will depend on the type of tumour, the symptoms it is causing, and the overall health and wishes of the patient. Slow growing tumours that are not causing symptoms may be monitored with regular MRI scans, and further action taken if the tumour shows signs of growth. 

Surgery to remove the tumour, usually via a tube inserted through the nose, may be necessary to remove active tumours. Radiotherapy or stereotactic radiotherapy may also be used in addition or as an alternative to traditional surgery. This involves killing the tumour cells with highly targeted radiation beams from an external machine.

Functioning pituitary tumours may additionally be treated with drugs to reduce the hormone levels in the body. This is in order to treat the symptoms, rather than shrink the tumour. 

If you are looking for further information on pituitary tumours and pituitary tumour treatment, please contact Ms Anouk Borg of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Why Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Offers Unmatched Precision In Brain Tumour Treatment

One of the most common treatments for cancers, brain lesions and growths is radiotherapy, as it is often the most minimally invasive, minimally harmful and minimally inconvenient option for early-stage conditions.

Whilst conventional surgery can be invasive and typically requires rest and observation days, and chemotherapy uses drugs that can have quite strong side effects for certain people, someone can step into a radiotherapy centre, have a treatment that lasts a matter of hours and potentially walk out the same day.

Beyond the convenience aspect, radiotherapy needs to have some degree of precision in order to provide the greatest effect with the least amount of harm, and in that respect, radiotherapy treatments aimed at the brain are more precise than treatments designed for other parts of the body.

There are a few reasons for this, which centre around medical knowledge of the brain, the baseline requirements for treating brain conditions and the philosophy of medical treatment.

As the pioneer of the Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatment, Lars Leksell put it, there is no degree of refinement that is too precise for the human brain.

The Brain Moves More Predictably

One of the most interesting research fields as of late when it comes to radiotherapy is the potential for real-time diagnostics.

The reason why this matters is that many organs and parts of the body have a fairly wide range of motion, and where they are placed often depends on how someone is positioned or sitting.

This makes it quite difficult to plan treatments and often requires affected areas to be heavily secured to ensure that there is as little variation as possible between the position of the body when the scans were made and when the treatment is undertaken.

With the brain, there is far less variation in movement. The brain does move like any other organ, but these tiny motions are barely perceptible and fundamentally do not affect treatment.

As well as this, the brain is contained within the skull and the layer of cerebrospinal fluid that is vital to protect the brain in a wide variety of ways, both physically and in the regulation of substances within the brain.

This has the side effect of meaning that the brain largely stays where it is, and by extension, any growths or tumours that have not grown or metastasised will also remain in the same place they were found after a CT or MRI scan.

This allows for more precise treatment plans to be followed, with the minimum amount of radiation exposure necessary to destroy the growth or cancerous mass.

As well as this, the frames that are used to ensure that treatments are precise and unhampered by involuntary movement are more effective as they only need to stop external movement.

The Brain Has Been Accurately Mapped

The concept of stereotactic surgery predates its use in the Gamma Knife for many years and was initially used as a way to create an atlas of the human brain in an era when radiotherapy was not a fully established treatment and CT scans did not exist.

Victor Horsley and Robert Clarke created the Horsley-Clarke apparatus, which allowed them to create an accurate and detailed map of animal brains and similar systems were later applied to the treatment of humans as well.

Because there is less movement in the brain, the organ and its component parts can be mapped using a quadrant or coordinate system. Horsley-Clarke used a cartesian coordinates system, Lars Leksell used polar coordinates, and other systems such as Talirach and MNI are specifically used for brain treatments.

This means that the planning stages for a Gamma Knife treatment are particularly precise, which allows for accurate and effective results.

No Tool Too Refined

Lars Leksell has described his motivations for creating the Gamma Knife several times before his death in 1986, wanting to create a form of surgery that was less brutal and bloody than the treatments that he had learned at the Karolinska Institute.

He also noted that there is no such concept as too much precision when it comes to brain surgery, because of the complex interplay between the various different parts, and how any slight deviation from a treatment plan can have unexpected consequences.

The ideal for Mr Leksell was a form of surgery that required no incision at all, given that most stereotactic surgeries at the time involved the use of electrodes inserted to cauterise certain growths.

With the aid of an array of tiny beams of radiation focused on a fixed point, Mr Leksell no longer needed to make incisions for most common brain treatments.

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia and Multiple Sclerosis

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are distinct neurological disorders. However, according to the MS Society, it is estimated that people with MS are 20 times more likely to experience TN than those without MS. Here’s a look at the causes, symptoms and treatments for trigeminal neuralgia occurring with MS.

What is Trigeminal neuralgia?

TN is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve, which can trigger shooting pain in the face. The acute attacks of pain are described as sudden and severe, usually occurring in short stabbing bursts lasting up to two minutes, but sometimes just a few seconds. The pain is commonly felt on one side of the face, usually in the jaw, teeth or gums.

The pain can relapse and recur, with weeks or months in between attacks. However, over time the condition may get progressively worse and the pain becomes more frequent. Sometimes, TN can progress from acute to chronic pain, which is more likely to be an aching or burning sensation that is constantly present.

TN is thought to be a relatively rare condition that affects more women than men, and usually starts between the ages of 50 and 60. The attacks sometimes have an identifiable trigger, such as brushing the teeth, eating, washing, or moving the head. In some cases, there appears to be no reason for the onset of pain. 

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system around the brain and spinal cord. The immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibres, resulting in difficulties of communication between the brain and spinal cord.

This can cause a wide range of problems that may get worse over time, or recur and relapse. Most MS patients eventually live with some degree of disability. 

Diagnosing TN

Anyone who is experiencing acute or chronic pain in their face should see a GP, who will carry out a review of the medical history, and may request some tests to try to identify the cause. In some cases there may be an alternative explanation, such as dental problems. The doctor may request an MRI scan to identify any abnormalities in the trigeminal nerve. 

What challenges do MS patients with trigeminal neuralgia face?

TN in itself can be a debilitating condition to live with, causing difficulty eating and sleeping, often resulting in weight loss. Patients may become depressed as a result of the severe pain, or become more socially isolated due to being physically unable to partake in usual activities such as exercise or going out for meals. 

MS patients face more severe challenges, because they may already be dealing with a wide range of other symptoms that are complex to manage. Therefore TN can seriously impact their quality of life and increase their current level of disability. 

The mental health of MS patients living with TN may suffer, particularly if it develops into chronic pain. Depression and anxiety are understandably common among MS patients, and it can be debilitating in itself. Combined with pain and all the other potential difficulties caused by MS, patients who also experience TN can be even more vulnerable. 

How can trigeminal neuralgia be treated?

The first line of treatment for TN is usually painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, these may not be effective for severe pain. In this case, doctors may prescribe anticonvulsants. If this is not successful or causes too many side effects, then the doctor may recommend a type of surgery.

In some cases, Gamma Knife radiosurgery has been found to be effective for treating TN. This is not traditional surgery involving an incision into the skull, so it carries much less risk for infections, bleeding and the other complications associated with open surgery. 

The radiosurgery involves applying a very high dose of gamma radiation that is precisely targeted at points along the trigeminal nerve. This causes deliberate damage to the nerve, resulting in a loss of feeling and relief from pain. 

If you are looking for further information on face pain and trigeminal neuralgia, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy..