Multiple Brain Metastases Patient Education Documentary Released for World Cancer Day

Even after successfully treating primary cancers, dangerous metastases can form throughout the body. Although the worldwide cancer cases are estimated to rise 50% from 2012 to 2030¹, it can still be quite challenging to find comprehensive, professional information on the internet about a cancer diagnosis, treatment options and the advantages or disadvantages of each. According to a study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) completed in 2017, 90% of the interviewed patients agreed that a better understanding of treatment methods would lead to less anxiety and less hesitation for radiotherapy². Brain Metastases: A Documentary, created by Brainlab, a worldwide leader in medical technology, provides expert information on the disease, as well as a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies used for treatment.

Brainlab has been a pioneer in the development of cancer treatment technology for almost 30 years, working closely with experts in the fields of neurosurgery and radiation oncology like those featured in the documentary. The half-hour film, being released in the lead up to World Cancer Day on Sunday, February 4th, can be found on the Brainlab website at brainlab.com/patient.

“One of the main topics of World Cancer Day is to educate society about both the challenges of and options available for treating the disease,” said Stefan Vilsmeier, President and CEO of Brainlab. “After many discussions with patients, we have come to understand that it is very difficult to find comprehensive and educational information about cancers and, more specifically, multiple brain metastasis. We have partnered with the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) and over a dozen leading clinical experts to produce a film made for non-medical professionals.”

Metastases develop from cancer cells that have broken off from a primary cancer and circulate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and settle elsewhere, sometimes even after successful removal of a tumor. In some cases, the cells may reach the brain and develop into brain metastases, which if left untreated, have the potential to become life-threatening. More and more individuals are being affected by multiple brain tumors as life expectancy after primary cancer has risen significantly in recent years.

The patient education documentary delves into this subject by framing the story around a cancer patient, Brenda, who was diagnosed with multiple brain metastases after beating breast cancer. “My first thought was: What’s next?” comments Brenda in the documentary. “What will my quality of life look like?”

More detailed information for patients on treatment options brainlab.com/patients or additional clinical trials and background information at brainmets.info.

¹ National Cancer Institute, March 2017: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics (accessed 31 Jan. 2018).

² American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), September 2017: https://www.astro.org/News-and-Publications/News-and-Media-Center/News-Releases/2017/Breast-cancer-patients-largely-find-radiation-therapy-experience-better-than-expected/ (accessed 31 Jan. 2018).