Dear Colleague,
Neuro-Oncology is a distinct evolving subspecialty that merges neurology with oncology. While neuro-oncologists are considered the experts in both the diagnosis and management of primary brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer, they are dependent on the strength of the multispecialty team comprised of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists, neuroradiologists, neurologists and neuropsychologists. In addition, the multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, physical therapists and speech therapists contribute to improved outcomes for the patient with neurological complications of cancer.
Advances in neuro-oncology has increased our understanding of the molecular biology of brain tumors. Advances in surgical techniques and intraoperative imaging have improved outcomes. We have seen an integration of newly identified molecular biomarkers into clinical trials in an effort to provide individualized patient treatments. The use of non-invasive methods of detecting tumor proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis within the brain is rapidly growing. Every day brings us closer to the promise that molecular profiling of tumors will predict tumor response to therapy and guide clinical management decisions.
As your colleagues, we would like to extend an invitation for you to attend our 1st annual conference. We hope you will join us for a multidisciplinary discussion on the recent progress and future advances in the treatment of brain tumors.
Sincerely,
John F. Alksne, MD
Bob Carter, MD, PhD
Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD
TARGET AUDIENCE
Internists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, primary care physicians, pathologists, radiologists and allied health professionals.
OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Evaluate and manage the medical and neurological complications of brain tumors
- Describe the latest breakthroughs in the multidisciplinary treatment of primary brain tumors
- Discuss the roles of the multidisciplinary team that specializes in the care of patients with brain tumors
- Analyze and manage neurological complications in the patient with cancer
Needs Assessment
Diagnosis and treatment information are crucial at the beginning of the brain tumor journey. Depending on the severity of the tumor, families must sometimes make rapid decisions with little time to fully investigate treatment options. Many respondents stressed the need to be in proactive in seeking information and educating themselves about brain tumors. Sometimes information was readily available; sometimes it was not.
The brain tumor community is heterogeneous in many ways. Brain tumors affect individuals of all ages, ethnicities and health histories. There are more than 120 types of brain tumors, so the community encompasses a number of sub-diagnoses and prognoses. Effects of these tumors and their treatments on the brain have a wide range of implications and effects. For all of these reasons, a one-size-fits all approach is difficult to apply to this patient population (and therefore to their caregivers); many issues are individual and require an individualized approach to addressing them.
There is still a lack of information and support that adequately prepares patients and their loved ones to anticipate changes related to the tumor and to live with the cognitive, physical and psychosocial repercussions of a brain tumor. The need for services spans the brain tumor journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Survivorship, quality of life, and the difficulty of adjusting to life changed by a brain tumor are prominent concerns. Certain subgroups within the brain tumor community, such as young adults, have additional needs that are not being met.
 UC San Diego School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0947, La Jolla, CA 92093-0947 Phone: (858) 534-3940 • Toll-Free: (888) 229-OCME (6263) • Fax: (858) 534-7672 Copyright 2010, University of California, San Diego. All rights reserved. |
