Discover How Science and Technology are Driving Innovative Brain Tumor Treatment Options at the American Brain Tumor Association's Annual Conference

Computer-guided intra-operative brain mapping, proton beam radiation therapy and breakthroughs in immunotherapy among advances to be discussed

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American Brain Tumor Association

Jul 19, 2016, 03:01 ET

CHICAGO, July 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Novel scientific advances and emerging technologies to treat a variety of brain tumors — low grade, high grade and metastatic — are expanding the once limited options available for brain tumor patients. These advances, coupled with greater understanding of the underlying biology of brain tumors, are fueling precision medicine and the potential for better treatment options, better outcomes and improved quality of life.

The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) has convened a panel of renowned brain tumor experts at its Annual Patient and Family Conference being held in Chicago, July 29-30, to discuss how science and technology are driving innovative treatment options.

"We're witnessing unprecedented advances across the brain tumor diagnostic and treatment spectrum and are pleased to be bringing together in one panel the best minds at the forefront of these innovations," said Elizabeth Wilson, American Brain Tumor Association president and CEO. "It's critically important that patients and families understand what these developments may mean for them and that they have access to information on all available treatment options."

	Title: The Science and Technology Driving Innovative Treatment Options
	Session: Saturday, July 30, 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
	Moderator: Elizabeth Claus, MD, PhD, Brigham and Women's Hospital
	Panelists: Mitchel S. Berger, MD, FACS, FAANS, University of California, San Francisco Paul Brown, MD, Mayo Clinic David A. Reardon, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

With surgery remaining a mainstay of brain tumor treatment, Mitchel S. Berger, MD, FACS, FAANS, chairman, Department of Neurosurgery at the University of California San Francisco and director of the Brain Tumor Center, will discuss how the use of computer-guided intra-operative brain mapping allows for maximization of tumor resection and patient safety. Paul Brown, MD, professor of radiation oncology at the Mayo Clinic, will discuss the latest form of a unique type of radiation therapy called proton beam therapy that is used to closely target brain tumors, while sparing healthy brain tissue. Discussing breakthroughs in cancer immunology, David A. Reardon, MD, clinical director of the Center for Neuro-Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will present the potential and progress of immunotherapies in the refinement of targeted treatment therapies and options for brain tumor patients.

Moderated by conference co-chair Elizabeth B. Claus, MD, PhD, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Yale School of Public Health, the panel discussion The Science and Technology Driving Innovative Treatment Options also will include ample time for conference attendees to ask questions of the experts.

Precision Medicine and its Impact on Brain Tumors: Low Grade, High Grade and Metastatic is being held at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago, July 29-30. To register for the conference, go to www.braintumorconference.org, call 800-886-ABTA (2282) or email [email protected]. Advance registration is encouraged through July 22; limited onsite registration is available.

About the American Brain Tumor Association
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association was the first and is the only national patient advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing support and education programs for all tumor types for all ages.

For more information, visit www.abta.org.

CONTACT: Martha Carlos
[email protected]
773-577-8790

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SOURCE American Brain Tumor Association