
Brain Tumour
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
Brain tumours are complex conditions that can affect how a person moves, speaks, thinks or feels, depending on where the tumour develops. They may be benign or malignant, and each type presents unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. Managing brain tumours often requires advanced imaging, specialised surgical techniques, and coordinated care across multiple disciplines.
Our work focuses on supporting accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning and integrated care for people navigating the physical and emotional challenges associated with brain tumours.


OUR APPROACH
Our team of neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and allied specialists works collaboratively to provide precise diagnosis, innovative treatment planning, and comprehensive support throughout the care journey. From state-of-the-art imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques to advanced radiation therapy and targeted drug treatments, we leverage the latest medical advances to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We offer surgical interventions tailored to maximise tumour removal while preserving critical brain functions. Techniques include intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and awake craniotomy to support safe and effective tumour resection.
For challenging skull-base and other complex tumours, we work closely with Plastic Surgery, ENT, and Oromaxillofacial Surgery teams to deliver coordinated and comprehensive care.
Treatment strategies are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, incorporating advanced options such as LINAC-based stereotactic radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We participate in and facilitate clinical trials to explore novel therapies for brain tumours, offering eligible patients the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements in treatment.
Our team maintains a close partnership with paediatric oncologists at Hong Kong Children's Hospital through regular multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and joint clinics to provide coordinated, family-centred care. For children and young adults with neurocutaneous syndromes such as neurofibromatosis (NF) and von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, oral targeted therapies are increasingly used to manage tumour burden and preserve neurological function, potentially delaying or avoiding repeated surgeries. This combined approach bridges surgical expertise, oncology, and genetics, ensuring continuity of care from childhood to adulthood.
Our care model integrates rehabilitation, psychological support, and caregiver support to address the wider impact of brain tumours on individuals and families. This comprehensive approach strengthens support systems and recognises needs that extend beyond medical treatment.
INTEGRATING CARE AND RESEARCH
Our translational research bridges laboratory discovery and clinical practice through close collaboration with neuroscientists, oncologists, and global experts in brain tumour research.
Our focus on precision oncology utilises molecular tumour sequencing to identify tumour-specific genetic and molecular alterations, enabling the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. These personalised approaches are pivotal in addressing tumour recurrence in patients who have exhausted standard treatment options for aggressive malignant intracranial tumours.
The Chapter integrates its neuro-oncology tumour board with the molecular tumour board to ensure that comprehensive sequencing data and clinical expertise inform treatment decisions in real-time. Through ongoing clinical trials, we provide patients the opportunity to explore novel therapies, including biomarker-driven treatment strategies that have the potential to improve outcomes.

OUR TEAM
Chapter Lead
Professor Aya El Helali
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Honorary Clinician,
Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital
Chapter Lead
Dr Sarah SN Lau
Consultant,
Department of Neurosurgery, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor,
Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Key member
Dr Lai Fung Li
Consultant,
Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Honorary Clinical Associate Professor,
Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Clinical Neuroscience Consortium





