‘Technological innovations in the last 10 years offer hope for recovery!’ Doctor Explains LUNA SEA’s Shinya’s Brain Tumor and Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon Cancer and Brain Tumor Linked

Drummer Maya (55) of the rock band LUNA SEA announced on her Instagram on September 8 that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. In addition, this announcement also revealed for the first time that he had been diagnosed with “stage 4 colon cancer” in ’20. Over the past five years, Maya has undergone seven surgeries, anti-cancer drug treatment, and radiation therapy in her battle against the disease.

Her fans were surprised and concerned that she had been able to hide this fact and continue to perform on stage as an artist in spite of her devastating situation.

We interviewed Dr. Satoshi Ozaki, director of the Ebina Neurology Clinic (……), to find out if the brain tumor that struck Maya was related to colorectal cancer (Dr. Ozaki is in parentheses).

There are two main types of brain tumors: primary and metastatic. Primary tumors originate in the brain itself and can be benign or malignant. On the other hand, when cancer originating in another organ, such as colorectal cancer, spreads to the brain, it is called metastatic.

However, the frequency of colorectal cancer metastasizing to the brain is not common, at around 1-2% of all cases. In Maya’s case, it has not been disclosed whether the brain tumor was primary or metastatic, and at this point it is unknown.

Dr. Ozaki also noted the “dizziness” that led to the discovery of Maya’s brain tumor.

Dizziness and lightheadedness can occur when a tumor develops in the cerebellum or brain stem, which are areas involved in the sense of balance. The cerebellum plays a role in balancing the body, and the brain stem is involved in walking and maintaining posture, so a tumor in this area can lead to symptoms such as the inability to stand up or walk straight.

Of course, the location and nature of the tumor cannot be determined by symptoms alone. A precise examination and careful diagnosis are essential.

Breakthrough Advances in Surgical Assistive Technology

Dr. Ozaki has a positive outlook on treatment and recovery.

If the tumor is benign, resection will improve symptoms and long-term survival can be expected. Even if the tumor is malignant or metastatic, if radiotherapy and drug therapy are successful, there are cases in which the patient can regain daily life in combination with rehabilitation.

However, if the patient also has colorectal cancer, there are cases in which the indications for some surgeries and radiotherapy may be limited depending on the side effects of anticancer drugs and other physical conditions. This does not mean that the treatment itself will be impossible, and it is important to make adjustments among attending physicians while deciding on a course of action.

The basic strategy has not changed significantly, but in the past decade, there have been significant advances in intraoperative imaging and assistive technologies that use intraoperative imaging and navigation to accurately identify the tumor. For example, intraoperative MRI allows for real-time MRI imaging during the procedure to confirm residual tumor, thereby reducing the possibility of missed procedures.

In addition, awake surgery, in which the surgeon talks with the patient and checks his or her movements, can remove the tumor while preserving the patient’s ability to speak and move. The improvement of technology has made it possible to safely increase the removal rate. If the patient’s strong goal of ‘definitely returning to the stage’ is combined with the latest medical technology, there is a good chance that he or she will be able to achieve a recovery.

Last year marked the 35th anniversary of LUNA SEA’s formation. The grand final performance held at Tokyo Dome in February of the 25th year was a stage worthy of being called the culmination of the band’s career and garnered much praise.

A week after announcing her brain tumor, Maya updated her Instagram and wrote about her gratitude with a photo of her and the LUNA SEA members.

To Ryu-chan, Sugizo, Inoran-chan, Jee-san, all the staff, everyone in Hadano, and everyone. Thank you so much for your loving messages.

He also talks about his health condition in a frank manner.

《I can barely stand by myself now, and my typing speed on my phone is getting faster. I think my physical and athletic ability is not even elementary school level, but I finally feel that I am alive, or at least that I am being kept alive. I am very happy now.

And 《I have a modest goal. I would like to take a step toward that goal,” he said, expressing his positive determination.

His wife, Aya Ishiguro, 47, formerly of Morning Musume。 Aya Ishiguro (47), also a former Morning Musume member, updated her Instagram on September 16. In the following paragraphs, she wrote

For the past five years, Maya’s strong beliefs have kept her from announcing her battle with the disease, and she has fought with all her might and continued to play the same game as an artist. I am proud of my husband, who has always been positive and has never spoken of his weakness, and has always faced his music.

I will continue to support him as much as I can as he walks toward recovery with a smile on his face.

I will continue to support Shinya to the best of my ability as she walks toward recovery,” she wrote in support of her husband. Despite announcing her battle with cancer, Maya said she “never lost hope. The powerful blow she delivered at this year’s Tokyo Dome concert has left a deep impression in the hearts of her fans. As Dr. Ozaki said, with the latest medical treatment and the strong will of the patient, the road to recovery is open. His friends, family, and many fans are waiting for the day when he will return to the stage again.