Brain Tumour Support NZ Shares Global Advocacy Vision at ASNO 2025 in Shanghai

2 Jun

*Presenters at the Patient Care event at ASNO 2025 in Shanghai, 31 May 2025*

Shanghai, China – May 31, 2025

At the 20th Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Conference (ASNO 2025), held in Shanghai from May 30 to June 1, Brain Tumour Support NZ took centre stage during a landmark international patient care event co-hosted by the China Brain Tumor Care Alliance (CBTA), the Asia-Pacific Brain Tumor Alliance (APBTA), and the China Society for Neuro-Oncology (CSNO).

Representing New Zealand, Chris Tse, Chair of Brain Tumour Support NZ and Senior Advisor to the International Brain Tumor Alliance (IBTA), delivered an address titled "Global Brain Tumor Patient Advocacy – Creating Hope through Advocacy."

Chris highlighted the role of international collaboration and shared insights from the IBTA's study on the unmet needs of brain tumour patients in the Asia Pacific region, part of a paper published in Neuro-Oncology Practice earlier this year. He also presented the advocacy work being undertaken by Brain Tumour Support NZ addressing critical gaps in clinical trial access, support networks, and brain tumour registries.

Chris was among a small group honoured with the "Companion of Hope" award, alongside leading clinicians and patient advocates from across the Asia Pacific region, recognising his dedication to patient-centred advocacy and international cooperation.

*Chris Tse was awarded the Companion of Hope award*

The event focused on the themes of courage, companionship, and hope, weaving together personal stories, expert perspectives, and cross-border initiatives. It underscored the importance of patient voices in shaping brain tumour care and called for continued collaboration to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

ASNO 2025, themed “Innovation Drives the Future of Neuro-Oncology,” drew participants from across the Asia-Pacific and featured advances in research and treatment for gliomas, meningiomas, paediatric brain tumours, and more. The patient care event on May 31, held during China’s Dragon Boat Festival, was a moving reminder that progress in medicine must go hand-in-hand with compassion and community.

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