Title: Parents Warn Others About Subtle Signs of Brain Tumors in Children
Date: July 20, 2023
Author: Jane Herz
A couple from England is sharing their story to raise awareness about the subtle signs of a brain tumor in children. Miriam and Colin Eckworth noticed something unusual in their son, Zac, when he was 14 months old – his eye appeared to be “wobbling.” Concerned about this symptom, they took him to the doctor and their worst fears were confirmed – Zac had a brain tumor known as optic nerve glioma.
Optic nerve glioma is a slow-growing tumor that occurs in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The family went through a difficult time, as they watched their young child struggle and were unsure of the future. Specialists in London revealed that Zac’s tumor was benign, but further tests showed a mutation called BRAF – V600E, which leads to uncontrollable cell division and tumor growth.
To treat the tumor, Zac underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a treatment occasionally used on non-cancerous masses to help shrink them. The tumor remained stable for nine months, but then started to grow again. However, Zac was given the opportunity to participate in a trial for Dabrafenib, an anti-cancer drug specifically for individuals with the BRAF mutation in their tumor. The medication worked well for Zac, and he will continue to take it until his teenage years.
Now 11 years old, Zac has responded favorably to the treatment and is living a thriving life. While he is visually impaired, it hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his interests. In fact, he is close to achieving a black belt in karate. Miriam Eckworth expresses her gratitude for the treatment that has allowed Zac to live a relatively normal life and have his own identity.
The family acknowledges the contributions of Professor Darren Hargrave, a specialist in pediatric neuro-oncology at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital. They are thankful for his work and the research that has given Zac the opportunity to participate in activities typical for an 11-year-old boy. Professor Hargrave emphasizes the importance of developing kinder treatments for children with brain tumors, as the current standard treatments often have long-term effects on their health.
In recognition of their outstanding efforts, the team that assisted Zac’s treatment recently received over $2 million in funding from the Brain Tumor Charity. This organization is dedicated to studying brain tumors and supporting research for low-grade brain tumors. It is hoped that this funding will further advance the understanding and treatment options for children diagnosed with brain tumors.
The Eckworth family’s story serves as a powerful reminder for parents to pay attention to subtle signs that might indicate a brain tumor in their children. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in the outcomes for these young patients.