Supporting People with Brain Tumours: An Interview with Theo Cantero, Patient Navigator at myTomorrows

Navigating the clinical trial landscape can feel overwhelming for many people affected by a brain tumour. In the UK, more than 100,000 people are estimated to be living with a brain tumour or the long-term impact of their diagnosis, while nearly 13,000 people are diagnosed each year. Brain tumours are indiscriminate — they can affect anyone at any age — and with more than 100 different types, they are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. While clinical trials may offer additional possibilities beyond standard treatment, understanding how they work, and whether they might be an option, is not always straightforward.¹

At myTomorrows, we help guide patients and caregivers through this complex journey by providing clear information and supportive guidance. In recognition of Brain Tumour Awareness Month in the UK, we spoke with Theo Cantero, Patient Navigator at myTomorrows, about his experience supporting those affected and helping families to explore potential clinical trial opportunities. 

Can you tell us about your medical background and what led you to become a Patient Navigator at myTomorrows?

My background is in adult nursing, where I worked mainly in emergency care and cardiology. During that time, I supported many people through difficult and uncertain moments in their lives. Through this experience, I became increasingly aware of how overwhelming it can be for those facing serious or life-changing conditions to navigate complex medical information and understand treatment possibilities beyond the standard of care.  

I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can support people, so becoming a Patient Navigator felt like a natural step. For the past two years at myTomorrows, I’ve supported people around the world affected by different conditions, including those with brain tumours. 

What does your role as a Patient Navigator at myTomorrows involve when supporting people affected by brain tumours?

My main role is to help people with brain tumours and their caregivers make sense of the clinical trial landscape. This includes explaining different types of trials, eligibility criteria and how to access a trial, so people can better understand the process.  

A typical interaction begins when someone registers on the myTomorrows platform and schedules a 15–20-minute call with me. During that conversation, I listen to their story and learn more about their diagnosis, previous treatments, what their doctor has recommended, and what they hope to explore next. 

After the call, they can upload their medical records so our team can search for potentially relevant clinical trials. Within seven days, they receive a report outlining trials that may be relevant, which we recommend they discuss with their physician. If they wish to move forward, our team can contact trial sites on their behalf to explore whether they may be considered for participation. During the trial process, people can continue reaching out with questions, updates or if they need help understanding next steps. 

From your conversations, what can you tell us about who reaches out for support and at what stages in their brain tumour journey?

The people contact us with varying diagnoses, including tumour type, grade, and prognosis. Some have glioblastoma, while others have astrocytoma, other forms of glioma, or another type of brain tumour. 

I usually see people reaching out at three key moments. Some contact us shortly after diagnosis and before surgery, because they want to explore all possible options early on. Others reach out after surgery, once the tumour has been removed, pathology results are available, and their treatment plan has become clearer. And some contact us after a relapse or recurrence, when the tumour has returned. These moments often shape the type of support they are looking for and what clinical trial opportunities might be available. 

How does the timing at which they reach out affect their clinical trial eligibility and available options?

Timing plays a major role in clinical trial access, particularly with brain tumours. 

Many trials have specific eligibility criteria related to the stage of the disease. For example, some are only open to people whose tumour can be removed with surgery, whose tumour has grown or returned, or who are experiencing their first recurrence rather than having had several previous treatments. 

Because of these criteria, there may sometimes be a small window of opportunity to qualify for a trial. Those who start exploring options earlier – before their next treatment decision – may have more possibilities available in the long term. 

That said, it’s never too late to ask questions or seek support. My role is to help people understand what might be possible at each stage of their journey. 

In your experience, what misconceptions or challenges do people affected by brain tumours encounter when exploring clinical trials?

One common misconception is that joining a clinical trial will be simple or guaranteed. In reality, the process can be quite complex, with several steps such as meeting strict eligibility criteria, screening, medical review and logistical planning. 

It can sometimes be surprising or disappointing when people realise how many factors are involved and that their options may be more limited than expected. At this point, some decide not to move forward because the process can feel too overwhelming or the practical demands, such as travel, cost, or time away from family or work, are too great. 

Additionally, brain tumour treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, can be physically and cognitively demanding. Many people experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, as well as anxiety following a diagnosis they never expected. This can make it harder to process complex medical information and navigate the clinical trial process. Because of this, caregivers often reach out on behalf of the person affected and play an important role in gathering information and supporting decisions. 

How can geography impact access to clinical trials?

Geography can have a major impact on access to clinical trials. Many trial sites, particularly in Europe and the UK, prefer or require patients to live relatively close to the treating hospital, as participation often involves frequent visits for scans and monitoring. 

For patients who live far from a trial site, taking part may be difficult, particularly if they are already undergoing treatment or trying to manage family and work responsibilities. 

Taking part in a study in another country can introduce additional barriers, such as visa requirements, travel costs, accommodation, and navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system. For many families, these logistical and financial challenges become one of the biggest obstacles, as it is often not feasible to regularly travel or relocate abroad during the trial.   

How can myTomorrows and its Patient Navigators support people affected by brain tumours exploring clinical trials?

At myTomorrows, our goal is to help people and their caregivers understand potential clinical trial opportunities as clearly and supportively as possible. As Patient Navigators, we explain clinical trial concepts in plain language, guide individuals through what to consider when exploring studies, help manage expectations, and provide emotional consistent support as they navigate difficult decisions. 

It’s also important to be transparent about our role and limitations. While we can help people understand and explore potential clinical trial options, we do not run clinical trials or guarantee access to a specific study. We also do not replace a patient’s medical team or offer medical advice. A patient’s physician understands their individual circumstances and is best placed to guide treatment decisions, which is why we always encourage patients to discuss any clinical trial information we share with them so they can make informed decisions together. 

Ultimately, our role is to provide clarity, guidance, and support so that patients and caregivers feel empowered during what is often a very challenging time. 

At myTomorrows, we have a team of Patient Navigators, who are multi-lingual professionals with a medical background, who can support you with information and support at the different stages of the clinical trial process. 

References