The purpose of this educational activity is to provide a review of new treatment options in neuro-oncology, including surgical techniques, and intraoperative imaging, along with, radiation and systemic therapies that have improved patient outcomes. Sessions will feature the latest advances in state-of-the-art care for practicing clinicians treating patients with brain tumors. Cutting-edge topics in precision medicine, including genetic, translational, and clinical research will also be featured. Activity format will provide significant opportunity for interaction with expert faculty and other attendees with the aim of implementing new standards of patient care. Participants will leave with up-to-date, practical information which will have immediate clinical application, as well as technical and scientific background on the current state, and where the latest scientific advances may take the field.

TARGETED AUDIENCE

This symposium is designed for neurosurgeons, neurooncologists, neurologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, primary care physicians, oncology nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of patients with brain tumors. Additionally, patients and their caregivers, family members, advocates and members of the public who may benefit from understanding current innovative approaches to brain tumor care are invited.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Implement WHO classification of brain tumors and how molecular profiling affects diagnosis, MRI interpretation, prognosis and therapy of patients with gliomas
• List advances in the surgical treatment of brain tumors including the use of fiber tracking (DTI), awake craniotomy, brain mapping, laser thermocoagulation, and fluorescence IGS
  (image-guided surgery)
• Identify the role of immune system to defend against CNS malignancy including the new class of checkpoint inhibitors and the potential use of CAR-T cell therapy
• List the benefits and application of proton therapy for low-grade and malignant gliomas
• Identify the scientific rationale, practical application, and survival benefit of electric field therapy for malignant brain tumors
• Identify the rationale and potential for viral therapies for malignant gliomas
• List recent advances in anti-angiogenic therapy in the treatment of gliomas

At the completion of this course patients and families should be able to:

• Identify the latest advances in brain cancer treatment
• Demonstrate familiarity with the terminology and technical aspects of brain cancer care
• Demonstrate patient-active behavior in working with the healthcare team to make ongoing treatment decisions

ACCREDITATION

In support of improving patient care, Penn Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

For more information please visit the official event page.