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Neon Roberts tumour radiotherapy ruling expected Neon Roberts tumour radiotherapy ruling expected
(about 7 hours later)
The mother of a seven-year-old boy should hear later whether her son will be given radiotherapy treatment against her wishes.The mother of a seven-year-old boy should hear later whether her son will be given radiotherapy treatment against her wishes.
Neon Roberts underwent surgery on a cancerous brain tumour on Wednesday, but his mother Sally fears radiotherapy could cause long-term damage.Neon Roberts underwent surgery on a cancerous brain tumour on Wednesday, but his mother Sally fears radiotherapy could cause long-term damage.
Doctors have told the High Court that Neon could die without further treatment.Doctors have told the High Court that Neon could die without further treatment.
Mr Justice Bodey is expected to deliver his ruling later. Mr Justice Bodey is expected to deliver his ruling shortly.
The Family Division of the High Court had been told by Dr A: "We have always said there are side effects and I do understand the family's anxiety, but it does not reflect the risk-benefit balance."
Mrs Roberts told the court she believed conventional cancer treatment was "out of date".
But the counsel appointed for Neon argued "standard treatment" is the only option that could save his life.
The court was also told Neon's father Ben, who has agreed to radiotherapy, needed the security of a residence order to allow the boy to live with his father during the treatment.
'Reflects her love'
Neon had surgery in October after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour, but the judge ruled he should have further surgery after MRI scans showed a tumour nodule where the original operation was performed.Neon had surgery in October after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour, but the judge ruled he should have further surgery after MRI scans showed a tumour nodule where the original operation was performed.
Mrs Roberts asked the court to delay its decision over radiotherapy, claiming other "credible" alternative treatment was available. Mrs Roberts asked the court to delay its decision, claiming other "credible" alternative treatment was available.
However the hearing at the Family Division of the High Court heard from doctors who want to begin radiotherapy as soon as possible, claiming delaying the treatment could worsen the child's prognosis. She asked the court for more time to research any alternatives.
Brain damage concern Ian Peddie QC, for Ms Roberts, told the judge : "Her stance merely reflects the love that she has for him.
Neon's father Ben, who lives in London and is separated from Mrs Roberts, has agreed to radiotherapy. "The mother, having considered the pros and cons of radiotherapy, does not believe it is in his best interests because of the significant and long-term consequences of this dramatic, powerful brain-altering treatment."
Earlier this month New Zealand-born Mrs Roberts went into hiding with her son, sparking a nationwide search before both were found unharmed. Mr Justice Bodey asked Ms Roberts whether "some sort of tie-up" with the media was influencing her thinking.
She previously told the court she was not a "bonkers mother", but she feared treatment such as radiotherapy could do Neon long-term harm including causing brain damage or infertility. She said: "My son is the only important thing to me."
Radiotherapy is given to stop cancer coming back in the same area after surgery and to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading. It is normally given in small targeted doses five days a week over a period of several weeks. Earlier this month New Zealand-born Mrs Roberts went into hiding with her son.
Treatment can damage nerve tissue or healthy brain cells and a minority of patients develop long-term side effects, which can be more common in children, whose nervous systems are still developing. Mr Justice Bodey said it would be remiss of the court not to prevent that recurring.
A judge has previously ruled the hospital should not be identified.