British Neuro-Oncology Society Patient and Carer Event

The first ever BNOS patient and carer event happened on Thursday the 6^th October at 6pm.  There were 123 registrants and 75 attended on the night.  We had 5 exceptional talks by a variety of speakers.  The whole event was recorded and is available through the link above.

Speakers

Jill Davis, Consultant Neuropathologist, Nottingham
The New World Health Organisation (WHO) classification. Changes and molecular testing in how brain tumours are described. What does this mean for patients, and for their treatment.

Anna Crofton, Cancer lead nurse, Liverpool
The patient experience: Future developments / what might good look like?

Ryan Mathew, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Leeds
Novel and emerging surgical technologies: What that means for patients.

Farouk Olubajo, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Liverpool
Tumour Treating Fields, what are they and how do they work?

Prof Keyoumars Ashkan, Consultant Neurosurgeon, London
Dendritic cell therapy, what is it, how does it work, and is it available?

Panel

Paul Grundy                 Honorary President BNOS, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Southampton

Louise Dulley               Consultant Clinical Oncologist, London

Helen Bulbeck             Founder, Brainstrust

Kaj Misry                      Brain tumour ambassador, The Brain Tumour Charity

Jill Sokratous               Clinical nurse specialist, Liverpool

Michael Jenkinson     Professor and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon, Liverpool

Andrew Brodbelt        Chair, honorary treasurer BNOS, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Liverpool

Summary

Jill Davis described the implications of the enhanced molecular characterisation, the change in some tumour names, and part of the discussion was on the role of frozen tissue.

Anna Crofton spoke about improving patient pathways including ideas about prehabilitation, psychology, and the discussion focussed on how to expand these ideas nationally, and what support is available both within the NHS and the Charity sector.

Ryan Mathew explored new technologies being used and developed in Leeds, generating a lot of interest.

Finally, a double header covering treatments for patients with Glioblastoma with Farouk Olubajo  introducing tumour treating fields, and Prof Keyoumars Ashkan announcing the results from the recent trial on dendritic cell therapy.  There was much discussion.

The event was supported by The Brain Tumour Charity, who provided the technical support, Brainstrust and the IBTA who helped to develop the event, and The Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity, and Brain Tumour Research who helped with advertising.