Jacob was just four years old when he was diagnosed with a malignant and aggressive brain tumour. His parents, David and Lauren, were told that their son had a life expectancy of approximately 1-2 months without any intervention, or 6-12 months with treatment and that given the prognosis they might consider taking him home for his final few weeks of life.

David and Lauren weren’t giving up. Discharged from hospital, Jacob began both radio and chemo therapy and they began to explore all possible avenues, hoping to give him every chance in the world. That’s when a family member told them that they had access to Best Doctors.

Time could not have been more of the essence, and the Best Doctors team sent Jacob’s case to an internationally renowned neuro-oncologist who specialised in paediatric cases. In the expert’s opinion, Jacob’s condition was very complex and his diagnosis was, unfortunately, accurate. The expert was cautious yet shared David and Lauren’s determination to increase the odds as much as possible citing several large paediatric studies of cases like Jacob’s where patients had survived for several years.

“Knowing that Jacob’s case has been studied by the best in his field was comforting."

The expert first provided suggestions for further diagnostic testing to obtain a type of gene analysis known as MGMT methylation status, the results of which could be used to create a more targeted treatment plan. He then provided practical advice on how chemotherapy could be modified for better results and what treatment could be followed should the tumour progress after that. The expert also told David and Lauren about a treatment which had recently proven effective in similar cases, as well as clinical trials for paediatric tumours that might be available.

Finally, the expert provided a detailed, step-by-step treatment plan, including follow-up examinations and various forms of therapy that could help maintain Jacob’s quality of life.

Best Doctors joined the fight for Jacob’s life and gave David and Lauren the strength and reassurance that they needed, knowing that their own medical team was doing an outstanding job and that their little boy was backed by a world of expertise and support. Thanks to the efforts of his treating doctors, family, community and Best Doctors, Jacob’s tumour has now shown such a dramatic reduction that he is now able to attend school, go on holiday with his family and celebrate his fifth birthday.

“Best Doctors gave us peace of mind that we were doing everything we possibly could for Jacob."