NF2-related Schwannomatosis (NF2) is a variable genetic condition which causes benign tumours in the nerves coming from the brain and spinal cord and on the surrounding tissues called meninges. The hallmark feature of NF2 is the presence of bilateral tumours on the hearing and balance nerves called Vestibular Schwannomas. About half of patients have an affected parent and half of patients have a new mutation. The Manchester genetics laboratory has facilities for diagnostic and predictive testing for NF2.
Manchester is one of four specialist nationally commissioned centres in England where NF2 is managed. Referrals can be made by writing directly to the NF2 team at: Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL. The MDT coordinator, Neil Franklin, can be contacted with any queries on 0161 701 0422.
The joint specialty clinic for NF2 has been established to offer health care for patients and their families who have a diagnosis of NF2. As there may be a number of doctors involved in caring for people with NF2, a multidisciplinary approach is the best for explaining the diagnosis, assessing symptoms and deciding what treatment, if any, should be offered. These decisions are complicated and need careful consideration by the specialist team.
NF2 clinics are held at the Genetics Department, 6th floor, St Mary’s Hospital. We also have two to four satellite clinics a year in each of Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle.
The paediatric NF2 service has a monthly clinic on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and a dedicated paediatric team.
The Manchester NF2 clinic runs every Wednesday and the appointments are spread throughout the day.
There is a dedicated monthly clinic for patients receiving Bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment.
Group A 20%+risk of NF2
- Isolated UVS <20 years (Table 2) (3, 4)
- Isolated cranial meningioma <20 years (3)
- Childhood isolated schwannoma at another site (3)
- Childhood typical retinal hamartoma
- Individuals fulfilling two criteria of the Manchester criteria <50 years of age but including childhood mononeuropathy as a criterion (5).
Group B (1–19% risk of NF2)
- UVS aged 20–30 years (Table 2) (3)
- Individuals fulfilling two criteria of the Manchester criteria >50 years of age.
Manchester Criteria
Table 1: Manchester diagnostic criteria for NF2
(these include the NIH criteria with additional criteria)
Bilateral vestibular schwannomas or family history of NF2 plus
- UVS or
- Any two of:
- meningioma
- glioma
- neurofibroma
- schwannoma
- posterior subcapsular lenticular opacities.
Table 2: Additional criteria
- UVS plus any two of
- meningioma
- glioma
- neurofibroma
- schwannoma
- posterior subcapsular lenticular opacities
- or Multiple meningioma (two or more) plus
- UVS or
- any two of:
- glioma
- neurofibroma
- schwannoma
- cataract.
NF2, neurofibromatosis type 2; NIH, National Institutes of Health;
UVS, unilateral VS.
Clinical Staff
Name |
Role |
Dr Claire Forde |
Consultant Geneticist |
Dr Tim Lavin |
Adult Neurologist |
Dr Grace Vassallo |
Paediatric Neurologist |
Professor Andrew King |
Neurosurgeon |
Mr Scott Rutherford |
Professor Omar Pathmanaban |
Ms Jane Halliday |
Professor Ian Kamaly |
Paediatric Neurosurgeon |
Mr Dimitrios Vathalitis |
Mr Simon Freeman |
Ear, Nose & Throat |
Professor Simon Lloyd |
Dr Martin McCabe |
Oncologist |
Professor Catherine McBain |
Dr JP Kilday |
Paediatric Oncologist |
Dr Roger Laitt |
Neuroradiologist |
Dr Owen Thomas |
Professor Stavros Stivaros |
Paediatric Neuroradiologist |
Dr Louise Robinson |
Consultant Clinical Psychologist |
Dr Madeleine Hurd |
Clinical Psychologist |
Rhian Bardsley |
Cochlear Implant Team |
Martin O’Driscoll |
Mr Ali Yagan |
Consultant Neuro-Ophthalmologist |
Emily Reading |
Physiotherapist |
Nursing Staff
NF2 Nurses Advice Helpline – 0161 276 4619
Name |
Role |
Raji Anup |
Lead Nurse – Adult |
Nicola Jarvis |
NF2 Clinical Paediatric Nurse Specialist (Manchester) |
Ruth Eatough |
NF2 Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult |
Jincy Kurian |
NF2 Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult |
Neil Franklin |
NF2 Service Manager/MDT Coordinator |
Angela Iball |
NF2 Secretary – Tel: 0161 276 5152 |
Paul Anderson |
NF2 Clinical Nurse Specialist (Northern Region Nurse) |