Lung Cancer Alk brain mets Driving Ban - 1268828

aliciauk
Posts:30

Hi there

I live in the UK, have Alk positive lung cancer currently Excellent response on crizotinib but I had three tiny brain meta found on a scan last year for which I had gamma knife to which they responded. Immediately the brain mets were found I was told yo my consultant I I couldn't drive for two years, as I was told there is a risk of an epileptic episode from the mets and also from the radiotherapy. my understanding is if I am fit free for two years and don't get more brain mets during that period I can drive again - I didn't ask about the existing mets starting to grow again during the two years but I would guess that would also start the clock running again for two years from that point. Is the position the same in the US? I just hope the UK position is justified! I certainly do not want to kill or injure anybody at the wheel but the driving ban is not easy so I hope it is really necessary! I am 50 with three teenage children and living outside town so it has impacted on our lives substantially. Thank you, Alicia

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JimC
Posts: 2753

Hi Alicia,

I found the UK guidelines here: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/brain-tumour/living/b… To me, they seem overly restrictive, especially since they don't have a specific policy regarding brain metastases, which can be very small (as in your case) and completely asymptomatic.

In the U.S. the rules vary from state to state but do not seem to be as restrictive regarding brain metastases.

I am sorry that you have to deal with this. I hope you continue to respond well to crizotinib.

JimC
Forum moderator