A woman living with the effects of brain surgery is celebrating the news that a research breakthrough from our Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth could see patients spared surgery.
The team led by Professor Oliver Hanemann has discovered that a simple blood test could reduce, or in some cases replace, the need for intrusive surgery to help determine the best course of treatment for patients with meningioma. The development is described by Hugh Adams, our Head of Stakeholder Relations, as: “an exciting breakthrough which could see patients spared the ordeal of neurosurgery at what is already likely to be one of the most difficult times of their life.”
Victoria Bradley knows only too well the impact of surgery. She was diagnosed with a low-grade meningioma in 2017 and endured a 10-hour operation six weeks later. She has lifelong side effects including debilitating seizures and her symptoms meant she had to give up her job in the travel industry. Victoria is now developing a mindfulness and meditation app to help others with brain tumours and epilepsy.
She said: “My diagnosis and operation has changed everything about my life. Going through neurosurgery is a massive thing. I live in constant fear, no longer feel comfortable going out on my own and always, always, have an emergency alarm with me to call help in case I have a seizure.
“It is absolutely wonderful and incredible to think that, one day, patients like me might not have to go through surgery.”
You can read about the research breakthrough at our Plymouth Research Centre in our recent news post here.
Credit: BBC Spotlight
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