We aim to empower patients and clinicians with the tools they need to understand and effectively use Optune.
our mission
Dr. Matt Williams has years of experience in oncology and neuro-oncology, and Lillie Pakzad-Shahabi’s personal commitment to improving patient outcomes has been a driving force in creating this resource hub. Together, we work alongside healthcare professionals and patients to share knowledge, champion advocacy, and create a better future for those affected by cancer.
The Optune Resource Hub is powered by a coalition of healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates who are committed to ensuring that more people can access the life-changing benefits of Optune. Led by Dr. Matt Williams and Lillie, we are focused on spreading awareness and improving the accessibility of this breakthrough treatment.
WHO ARE WE?
Dr. Matt Williams
Meet the team
Dr. Matt Williams is a Consultant Clinical Oncologist based in London, specialising in the treatment of adult brain tumour patients. He provides radiotherapy and chemotherapy for individuals with both primary and metastatic brain tumours. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Williams leads the Computational Oncology group at Imperial College London, where much of their research focuses on developing innovative trial designs aimed at improving treatments for brain tumour patients.
Dr. Williams played a pioneering role in introducing Optune to the UK, obtaining the first insurance company approval and becoming the first centre to offer it to private patients. He is the largest referrer in the UK and was actively involved in the TRIDENT trial.
Beyond his clinical and research work, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to advocacy for broader access to Optune. At the BNOS 2023 conference, he brought together a coalition of charities, healthcare professionals and Novocure staff to advance the cause and he continues to be heavily involved in ongoing efforts to make Optune more widely available to patients across the UK, including the UK Optune Support Group.
Lillie Pakzad-Shahabi
Meet the team
Lillie Pakzad-Shahabi is the Clinical Research Practitioner in Neuro-oncology at Charing Cross Hospital and Imperial College London.
She has been a valued member of the neuro-oncology team since 2014, contributing to a range of projects and roles. In 2017, Lillie played a key role in setting up a robust tissue-banking pathway and served as co-Chief Investigator (co-CI) on the Capable trial, which focused on using the Patient-Generated Index to assess quality of life in brain tumour patients.
Currently, she runs a Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP) clinic as part of the Whole-Genome Sequencing pathway in neuro-oncology and leads the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) work in the field.
Lillie holds an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science and a Master's degree in Neuroscience, underpinning her clinical and research work with a strong academic foundation.
In addition to her clinical and research work, Lillie provides the organisational and administrative support for the monthly Optune Support Group and is a key contributor to the management and development of this website.
Our team is made up of specialists from a range of disciplines, working together to provide the best possible care for patients with brain and central nervous system tumours.
Alongside leading consultants and researchers, our Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) - including clinical nurse specialists and therapists - play a vital role in ensuring a patient-centred, multidisciplinary approach to care.
Allied health professionals
With over eight years of specialist experience in neuro-oncology, Shivani Soni is dedicated to shaping the future of patient care. With 4 years as Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for Neuro-oncology and 2 years as Joint Chair of the Neuro-oncology MDT, she plays a pivotal role in improving patient pathways, driving positive change in care delivery, and fostering collaboration across the multidisciplinary team.
Holding both a BSc and MSc in Cancer Care, Shivani’s commitment to advancing neuro-oncology nursing is reflected in her ongoing doctoral studies, which will support her goal of becoming a Neuro-oncology Nurse Consultant. Her passion lies in enhancing quality of life through research, education, and patient-centred care, ensuring that every individual receives the support and expertise they need.
Additional Roles & Contributions
- BNOS Patient Centred Subcommittee (2021–Present)
- Published Work: Tallant J, Soni S (2021) Adult primary brain tumours: presentation, diagnosis, treatment and complications. Cancer Nursing Practice. doi: 10.7748/cnp.2021.e1759
Shivani’s expertise, leadership, and research-driven approach make her an invaluable voice in the neuro-oncology community.
Trainee Nurse Consultant in Neuro-oncology – Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Joint Neuro-oncology MDT Chair – Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Shivani Soni
Meet the team
