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Neon Roberts 'should have radiotherapy' for tumour Neon Roberts 'should have radiotherapy' for tumour
(35 minutes later)
A seven-year-old boy at the centre of a legal dispute over cancer treatment should be given radiotherapy as soon as possible, a High Court judge has heard.A seven-year-old boy at the centre of a legal dispute over cancer treatment should be given radiotherapy as soon as possible, a High Court judge has heard.
Neon Roberts underwent surgery on a brain tumour on Wednesday against his mother's wishes.Neon Roberts underwent surgery on a brain tumour on Wednesday against his mother's wishes.
Sally Roberts, 37, wanted a delay until more doctors had been consulted, and does not want him to have radiotherapy because she has future health concerns.Sally Roberts, 37, wanted a delay until more doctors had been consulted, and does not want him to have radiotherapy because she has future health concerns.
Doctors said Neon's condition would worsen without further treatment.Doctors said Neon's condition would worsen without further treatment.
Anti-vomit pills stoppedAnti-vomit pills stopped
The hearing in London was earlier told by Ian Peddie, QC for Ms Roberts, that her son's operation on Wednesday "went well."The hearing in London was earlier told by Ian Peddie, QC for Ms Roberts, that her son's operation on Wednesday "went well."
The court heard that during the surgery evidence was found of a tumour nodule which had been predicted.The court heard that during the surgery evidence was found of a tumour nodule which had been predicted.
However, tests on spinal fluid showed no evidence of cancerous cells elsewhere.However, tests on spinal fluid showed no evidence of cancerous cells elsewhere.
Doctors said they believed it would not be in Neon's interests to delay preparation for radiotherapy as it would worsen his prognosis.Doctors said they believed it would not be in Neon's interests to delay preparation for radiotherapy as it would worsen his prognosis.
They said radiotherapy normally took two weeks preparation, but, in this case, they wanted to start as soon as possible.They said radiotherapy normally took two weeks preparation, but, in this case, they wanted to start as soon as possible.
One doctor said the impact of radiotherapy should not be overstated because "we use lower doses now".One doctor said the impact of radiotherapy should not be overstated because "we use lower doses now".
Mrs Roberts previously told the court she was not a "bonkers mother" and she feared treatment such as radiotherapy could do Neon long-term harm including causing brain damage or infertility.
The court also heard that Mrs Roberts had refused permission for her son to be given medicine in the last few days to stop him vomiting.The court also heard that Mrs Roberts had refused permission for her son to be given medicine in the last few days to stop him vomiting.
While hearing evidence from a child cancer specialist about the benefit and risks of radiotherapy, the doctor said research showed the treatment proposed for Neon tended to lead to a "modest" decline in IQ of maybe five points.
Adjournment request rejected
"I would expect the patient to go to mainstream school - with support. My experience is that they can take exams," he said.
When being cross-examined by counsel for Sally Roberts, the doctor was asked about alternative treatment and therapies.
The doctor replied that health staff were open to families interested in using complementary therapies alongside conventional treatment.
Mr Justice Bodey said he was minded to make a default ruling on Neon's continuing treatment unless Mrs Roberts could produce someone who could offer other treatment that was in Neon's best interests.Mr Justice Bodey said he was minded to make a default ruling on Neon's continuing treatment unless Mrs Roberts could produce someone who could offer other treatment that was in Neon's best interests.
'Not bonkers mother' Mrs Roberts wanted to seek an adjournment until January, but that was rejected by Mr Justice Bodey, who said he was likely to give judgement on Friday.
The NHS asked for a final order to be made on Thursday.The NHS asked for a final order to be made on Thursday.
Mrs Roberts wanted to seek an adjournment until January, but that was rejected by Mr Justice Bodey.
The judge ruled on Tuesday that the surgery should go ahead after an MRI scan revealed a residual tumour left from the boy's last operation a year ago.The judge ruled on Tuesday that the surgery should go ahead after an MRI scan revealed a residual tumour left from the boy's last operation a year ago.
Mrs Roberts previously told the court she was not a "bonkers mother" and she feared treatment such as radiotherapy could do Neon long-term harm including causing brain damage or infertility.
Earlier in the month New Zealand-born Mrs Roberts went into hiding with her son, sparking a nationwide search before both were found unharmed.Earlier in the month New Zealand-born Mrs Roberts went into hiding with her son, sparking a nationwide search before both were found unharmed.
A judge has previously ruled that the hospital should not be identified.A judge has previously ruled that the hospital should not be identified.