NSWOG Neuro Oncology Brain Tumour Support and Education Form - 5 May 2010

The forum was part of the Inaugural Brain Cancer Action Week (BCAW), an initiative of Cancer Council NSW in collaboration with the NSW Oncology Group Neuro-Oncology and AGOG. The aim of the week was to highlight the devastating impact of brain cancer, to broaden support and participation in the current strategy being pursued in Australian brain cancer research and to stimulate ongoing funding in this area.

Click here to read more about the week.

Welcome

The Hon. Minister Carmel Tebbutt, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Health officially opened the forum and welcomed guests and speakers.

Keynote Speaker

Dr Tim Cloughesy provided a considered overview demystifying brain cancer by educating participants on the genetics of brain tumours and the clues provided by tissue, with the overarching mantra that 'every patient is a part of the cure'.

Surgery
Dr Brindha Shivalingam, Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeon Dr Brindha Shivalingam used case study examples to describe brain surgery - why surgery is performed in some cases and not others, and the techniques used.

Radiation Oncology
Dr Eng-Siew Koh, Radiation Oncologist, Liverpool Hospital

Dr Eng-Siew Koh provided a comprehensive overview of radiation therapies used for brain tumour patients, including treatment considerations, benefits and short, medium and long-term side-effects.

Medical Oncology
Dr Helen Wheeler, Medical Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital

This presentation outlined results of the Cancer Institute NSW funded project designed to address the information needs of head and neck cancer patients. The study found limited appropriate resources in the Australian context and that patients and families were most interested in information regarding disease and survivorship.

Rehabilitation
A/Professor Andrew Cole, Senior Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine,
St George Hospital

A/Professor Andrew Cole addressed the complex realm of life and work after a brain tumour – including the continuum of tumour survival outcomes, work-related issues and problems for disabled cancer survivors.

Nursing
Rochelle Firth, Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner, Royal North Shore Hospital

Brain tumours were explored from a nursing perspective by Rochelle Firth, who spoke about identifying brain tumour support groups and support services, getting organised and the importance of these factors in helping brain tumour patients and carers to get on with life.

Neuropsychology
Professor David Shum, Deputy Director, Griffith Institute for Health and Medical Research, Griffith University, Brisbane

Professor David Shum described the type and nature of physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes brain tumour patients encounter and strategies that could be used to cope, with the assistance of a Clinical Neuropsychologist.

Cancer Council NSW
John Friedsam, Project Coordinator, Family Support

John Friedsam presented a comprehensive overview of support services available through the Cancer Council NSW, including helpful tips, tools and strategies. He also addressed psychosocial needs of cancer patients and common impact areas.

Getting on with life - patient view

This inspirational panel included brain tumour patients and survivors and was chaired by Medical Oncologist, Dr Elizabeth Hovey. Photo from left to right: Dr Elizabeth Hovey, Anita Berghout, Mark Bishop, Julian Huxley and Audrey Myrden.

Medical Oncology
Professor Stewart Kellie, Neuro-Oncologist, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Professor Stewart Kellie gave a general overview of childhood cancers, and explained survival curves, tissue banking, late effects and quality of life.

Radiation Oncology
Dr Verity Ahern, Radiation Oncologist, Westmead Hospital

Radiation Oncologist Dr Verity Ahern provided an overview of the practical aspects of treating with radiotherapy, the types of tumours are treated, how it is administered and potential side effects and late effects.

Surgery
Dr Erica Jacobson, Neurosurgeon, Sydney Children’s Hospital

Dr Erica Jacobson addressed the limitations of surgery and factors for consideration, including tumour location and tumour type. She also highlighted potential complications and effects of surgery on children.

Aetiology
Dr Lesley Ashton, Epidemiologist, Children’s Cancer Institute

Dr Lesley Ashton presented local statistics, including prevalence and survival data and addressed the causes of childhood brain tumours, such as environmental exposures, genetic make-up and its impact on risk and potential risk factors.

Research & drugs
Dr David Ziegler, Neuro-Oncologist, Sydney Children’s Hospital

Dr David Ziegler gave an overview of research and drugs for childhood brain tumours, focusing on the potential impact of targeted therapies and their influence in improving cure rates.

Psychological Impact
Catherine McKersie & Nathan MacArthur, Neuro-oncology
Social Workers

Paediatric oncology social workers Catherine McKersie and Nathan MacArthur focused on strategies for minimising the impact of brain tumours and facilitating long-term coping.

Late Effects of Treatment
Dr Richard Cohn, Neuro-Oncologist, Sydney Children's Hospital

Dr Richard Cohn spoke about the specific long term effects of treatment and risks for childhood brain tumour patients.

Neuropsychological Testing
Anna Mandalis, Neuropsychologist, Sydney Children’s Hospital

Anna Mandalis described the role of a clinical neuropsychologist, when to refer for an assessment and the cognitive areas and developmental factors considered.

Rehabilitation
Renee Pont, Occupational Therapist, Sydney Children’s Hospital
Johanna Newsom, Physiotherapist, Children’s Hospital Westmead

Occupational Therapist Renee Pont and Physiotherapist Johanna Newsom spoke about the involvement of both disciplines in the care and rehabilitation of children with brain tumours.

Re-entering School
Jean Kidd, Brain Injury Counsellor, NSW Department of Education

Jean Kidd described the role the NSW Department of Education plays in supporting and providing services and resources for children with special learning needs resulting from brain injury.