World Brain Tumour Day – 8 June 2025

As the world faces a growing cancer burden, Life Healthcare continues to advance its treatment offering, with new technology constantly being introduced to diagnose, treat and manage cancer. 

The latest innovations offer patients renewed hope in treating brain tumours, enabling more precise removal, reducing the need for repeat surgeries, and increasing the chances of long-term survival and improved quality of life.

"Life Healthcare is dedicated to providing cancer patients with the most advanced and compassionate care possible, placing patients at the centre of care," said Life Healthcare Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karisha Quarrie. "Our investment in innovative oncology technology such as AI adaptive radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery are helping specialists treat and manage cancer at the highest standards. More recently we introduced the iMRI theatre at Life Groenkloof Hospital, one of only 500 in the world and the only purpose-built iMRI in South Africa,“ adds Dr Quarrie

June shines a spotlight on cancer, with National Cancer Survivors Day (2 June) and World Brain Tumour Day (8 June). This presents an opportunity to raise awareness and education about the advancements in cancer and brain cancer treatments.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2022. Alarmingly, the global burden is expected to increase dramatically, with projections that there will 35 million new cancer cases in 2050 – a staggering 77% increase from 2022. The growing incidence highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, lifestyle adjustments, and access to innovative diagnostics and treatments.

A brain tumour is the abnormal growth of mass of cells in the brain and surrounding tissues. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and can arise in the brain tissue itself or spread to the brain from other parts of the body.

With more than 300 000 cases of brain cancer reported globally, the need for advanced and effective treatment options has never been greater. Cutting-edge technologies being utilised by Life Healthcare such as iMRI, AI adaptive radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery are transforming cancer care by providing more precise, personalised, and efficient treatment solutions.

iMRI

In May 2024, Life Healthcare launched its new intra-operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) theatre at Life Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria. This state-of-the-art theatre includes an operating room, an MRI room, and a control area. The MRI scanner can be moved into the operating room or the patient can be moved to the MRI room, allowing for real-time imaging without compromising the sterile environment. “Having the MRI machine in theatre means that the images help the surgeon in real-time to see exactly where the tumour is and how much of it has been removed. If any part of the tumour is still left, the surgeon can see it immediately and continue to remove it,” explains Dr Quarrie.

This technology improves the accuracy of surgeries and contributes to better patient outcomes by reducing the likelihood of repeat surgeries and minimising the risk of complications. "The technology is incredibly beneficial because the real-time imaging ensures that the surgeon can remove as much of the tumour as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue. It also helps reduce the need for repeat surgeries and improves patient outcomes by making brain surgeries more accurate and effective,” added Dr Quarrie.

AI Adaptive Radiotherapy

This advanced technology, operational at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt treatment plans based on daily anatomical changes in patients. “This adaptive therapy allows for more precise targeting of tumours, reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and potentially improving overall treatment outcomes”, says Dr Quarrie. The Ethos™ system streamlines the treatment process by enabling real-time adjustments, which means that planning and treatment can occur within a single session, making it a faster and more efficient option compared to traditional radiotherapy methods.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

The Novalis Tx Stereotactic Radiosurgery system is designed to safely deliver high dose radiation plans with pinpoint accuracy, targeting tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Life Oncology, last year integrated treatment planning software at their stereotactic radiosurgery units. This software optimises treatment planning, ensuring maximum radiation delivery to tumours while protecting healthy tissue. It employs indication-specific tools for personalised dose planning and automated workflows for efficient plan adaptation. “By providing precise and non-invasive treatment options, our systems help improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times, and enhance the overall quality of life for cancer patients”, she explained. Earlier this year, Life Healthcare was the first hospital group in South Africa to have all stereotactic radiosurgery sites globally accredited.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in innovative technologies and moving oncology care forward so that patients can look forward to life’s moments,” concluded Dr Quarrie.

Learn about Life Oncology and the services provided here.

 

Patient testimony: A story of courage and support

At Life Healthcare, every survivor’s journey is a testament to hope, innovation, and the power of patient-centered care. The need for early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and holistic support has never been greater.

25-year-old Erin Louis, an HR practitioner based in Cape Town, was diagnosed with a stage 2 brain tumour called oligodendroglioma in November last year. The diagnosis followed back-to-back non-epileptic seizures that came in waves.

“I had a CT scan and an MRI and the scans showed a mass in my left frontal lobe,” says Louis. She recalls that she was in denial about the diagnosis for a long time and eventually broke down crying in coming to terms with it.

Since her diagnosis last year, Louis has had tumour debulking surgery via a craniotomy and undergone radiotherapy  and chemotherapy. Her radiotherapy was delivered by the Novalis Tx stereotactic radiosurgery machine. “When starting radiotherapy I was terrified of the big machine and the bright lights in the room for the first few days. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. But my team of  radiation therapists helped me so much with getting through the radiation sessions and I became more comfortable. I can say that I honestly had the best experience that I could’ve hoped for.”

Due to the side-effects of chemotherapy, Louis works remotely full time. Despite the side-effects and emotional hardships, she says she has received tremendous support from her family, friends, and her cancer care team, including Life Healthcare staff and healthcare professionals.

“I live with my parents, who have played a massive role in my recovery and cancer journey. My grandmother and aunt take turns supervising me when I work from home,” adds Louis. “We spend a lot more time together. We can have difficult conversations, and more family members have shared their true emotions rather than bottling them up.”

When asked what her advice is to others diagnosed with brain cancer, Erin references an Afrikaans phrase in Kaaps slang that says: “we kap aan before we kap om”,which translates roughly to “no matter what, never give up”. When your mind tells you to give up, do not give in!”.