I had 11 years of chemotherapy for a cancer I didn't have
Summary
Becky Jones was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor at age 21 and underwent 11 years of chemotherapy. Recently, she found out she never had cancer but a brain inflammation treatable with steroids. She is one of over 40 patients suing University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust for prolonged or unnecessary cancer treatment.Key Facts
- Becky Jones was wrongly diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor by consultant Prof Ian Brown.
- She received chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ) for 11 years, despite guidelines recommending six months of treatment.
- Multiple scans showed no signs of a tumor, but she was told the tumor was too small to see.
- The misdiagnosis and prolonged treatment only came to light in 2025 after a review of cancer cases linked to Prof Brown.
- Some patients reported serious side effects from unnecessary long-term use of TMZ, including infertility and leukemia.
- The Royal College of Physicians review criticized the hospital for giving extended chemotherapy with little evidence of benefit.
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust acknowledged issues and said they improved oversight of TMZ prescriptions.
- Becky said chemotherapy caused constant sickness, fatigue, and a major impact on her daily life and relationships.
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