Coping with Cancer Fatigue
In-Person ONLY Session
9 AM
Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Learn about methods used to help alleviate cancer fatigue.
Phil Chang DO
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Immunotherapy for Brain Tumor Patients
In-Person ONLY Session
9 AM
What is immunotherapy? Come learn about immunotherapy and how the body’s natural T-cells have the potential to destroy cancer cells.
Robert Prins PhD
UCLA Department of Neurosurgery & Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
Seizure Management
In-Person ONLY Session
9 AM
A seizure is a common symptom that brain tumor patients may experience. In this session, learn about types of seizures, causes, and risk factors. Also learn how seizures can be managed and what medications are used for treatment.
Richard Green MD
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Tumor Type: Meningiomas
In-Person ONLY Session
9 AM
This lecture will cover the history, pathology and the different classifications of meningioma. Symptoms, standard treatment options, and clinical trials for this tumor type will also be covered.
Richard Everson MD • Leia Nghiemphu MD
UCLA Medical Center (Ronald Reagan)
Complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches
In-Person ONLY Session
10 AM
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing in popularity among patients. Biologically based treatments, energy therapies, and body-based techniques are all included in CAM. It is estimated that 30% of patients with brain tumors utilize CAM.
Katie Hu MD
UCLA Health Center for East West Medicine
Coping with Aphasia
In-Person ONLY Session
10 AM
Aphasia is a speech-language comprehension disorder that can be caused by brain tumors. Attend this session to learn more about aphasia and what types of therapies are available.
Joan McCulloch MS
UCLA Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic
Neuropsychology and Brain Tumors
In-Person ONLY Session
10 AM
Learn about cognitive difficulties brain tumor patients may experience and what can be done to manage these difficulties and everyday life involving memory, attention, language, spatial skills, and organization.
Patricia Walshaw PhD
UCLA Medical Center (Ronald Reagan)
Neurorehabilitation for Brain Tumor Patients
In-Person ONLY Session
10 AM
Understand the enablers and challenges to providing proper neurological rehabilitation assessment in patients with brain tumors (primary adult) and brain metastases.
Tracy Chang MD
UCLA Department of Neurology; Neuro-Rehabilitation
Understanding Clinical Trials
In-Person ONLY Session
10 AM
Clinical trials are research studies aimed at improving health and cancer care. Find out more details about different types of clinical trials, why they are conducted, who is eligible to participate, and the pros and cons of participating in one. If interested in learning about the latest experimental therapies, please attend “Updates in Experimental Therapies” on Friday, May 19th.
Robert Chong MD, PhD
UCLA Neuro-Oncology
Overcoming Cognitive Challenges after Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
In-Person ONLY Session
11 AM
Dr. Van Dyk, a UCLA neuropsychologist specializing in cancer survivorship, will discuss common cognitive difficulties that may develop after a brain tumor. She will review how these cognitive challenges can impact a person's daily life, and go over supportive cognitive strategies to improve day-to-day functioning. Dr. Van Dyk will also describe cognitive rehabilitation services at UCLA.
Kathleen Van Dyk PhD
UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry
Palliative Care and End of Life Issues
In-Person ONLY Session
11 AM
The goals of palliative care are to alleviate suffering and enhance quality of life (QOL). Patients with brain tumors deserve special attention in this situation because they typically lack therapeutic relief and because they present with the most severe symptoms and concerns when compared to other cancer patients.
End of Life Issues will also be covered. Learn about end of life care for brain tumor patients, what changes to expect, and palliative and hospice care.
Cara L. Siegel MD
UCLA Dept of Neurology and Dept of Medicine, Palliative Care Program
Qi Gong
In-Person ONLY Session
11 AM
Qi gong means "the study of energy." Participate in this exercise, which is a series of movements and coordinated breathing that is designed to maintain shining health and excellent focus. Learn how to integrate this exercise into recovery.
Michael Sieverts
Understanding Language Impairments
In-Person ONLY Session
11 AM
Language areas of the brain and language deficits that may occur when these areas are damaged are discussed. Learn how doctors identify these areas when planning brain tumor intervention, and about recovery of function.
Patricia Walshaw PhD
UCLA Medical Center (Ronald Reagan)
Understanding the Caregiver Experience (A Caregiver Panel)
In-Person ONLY Session
11 AM
Caregivers are often faced with challenges when their loved one is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Attend this session to hear from a panel of caregivers share their experiences and how they manage to cope with the effects it has had on their lives.
Lauren Michelson RN, MSN, NP • Nathaly Wu NP
UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program
Integrating Psychosocial Support Into Treatment: A Patient-Survivor Panel
In-Person ONLY Session
12:45 PM
Please join in this open discussion and Q&A with participants from the Brain Tumor Support Group at Cancer Support Community Los Angeles. Topics will include making treatment decisions, side effects of care, and the social and emotional impact on a person diagnosed with a brain tumor. Bring your questions and join the inspiring and educational workshop.
Tom Pier LCSW, OSW-C
Cancer Support Community Los Angeles
Nutrition for Brain Tumor Patients
In-Person ONLY Session
12:45 PM
Learn about brain metabolism and nutrition, what foods provide benefits for brain tumor patients, barriers to eating healthy, and managing your diet during treatment and while living with a brain tumor.
Christine Goukasian MS, RDN
UCLA Division of Clinical Nutrition
Symptom Management
In-Person ONLY Session
12:45 PM
Symptoms from brain tumors and side-effects from associated treatments are discussed. Learn about what you can do to manage them.
Nanette Fong RN, MSN, NP
UCLA Medical Center (Ronald Reagan)
Tumor Type: NF2/Schwannomatosis - PART 1
In-Person ONLY Session
12:45 PM
Part 1 of a two part session that includes a multi-disciplinary explanation of NF2/Schwannomatosis and updates on current treatments and research. Question & Answer session available as time permits.
Richard Everson MD • Marco Giovannini MD, PhD • Leia Nghiemphu MD
Tumor Type: Glioblastoma Multiforme & Anaplastic Tumors
In-Person ONLY Session
1:45 PM
An in-depth look at treatment options for GBM and Anaplastic tumors are presented. Learn about first line and recurrent treatments, molecular biomarkers, targeted therapies, clinical outcomes and the latest on clinical research trials for GBM and anaplastic tumors.
Timothy Cloughesy MD
UCLA Medical Center (Ronald Reagan)
Tumor Type: NF2/Schwannomatosis - PART 2
In-Person ONLY Session
1:45 PM
Part 2 of a two part session that concludes the multi-disciplinary explanation of NF2/Schwannomatosis and updates on current treatments and research. Question & Answer session available as time permits.
Richard Everson MD • Marco Giovannini MD, PhD • Leia Nghiemphu MD
Tumor Type: Oligodendroglioma and Low Grade Tumors
In-Person ONLY Session
1:45 PM
Get a closer look at low grade tumors. Epidemiology, treatment options and future directions are discussed.
Albert Lai MD, PhD
UCLA Medical Center (Ronald Reagan)
Brain Tumor Board: Case Reviews and Q&A Session
In-Person ONLY Session
3 PM
A multi-disciplinary review of complex primary brain tumor cases.
Moderator: Robert Chong, M.D., Ph.D.
Robert Chong MD, PhD • John Hegde MD
UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology
Invigorate Strategies, Resources, and Motivation from a Brain Tumor Survivor Since 1998
In-Person ONLY Session
3 PM
After Jeannine Walston’s brief brain tumor story introduction, she will highlight some strategies and resources that could be helpful for patients and caregivers. Moreover, she will convey some motivation in the journey. Note: Talk duration 2:40-3:00 PM in same room as BTB Case Review.
Jeannine Walston
Patient Advocate