Welcome to the 24th Annual UCLA Brain Tumor Conference, hosted by the UCLA Brain Tumor Center. This conference will offer participants the opportunity to hear leading healthcare professionals speak about the latest treatments for brain tumors.

Attend this session to get an overview of brain tumors. Brain tumor incidence, how brain tumors form, brain tumor subtypes, and standard and novel treatments will be covered.

Neurosurgery remains one of the most effective front line defenses available for patients. Come learn how the surgical process is aided with intraoperative neuro-imaging and advanced surgical techniques from the surgeons who perform these complex procedures.

Radiation therapy can be an effective tool in the standard care of brain tumor patients. Gain a better understanding of the process and the latest technologies deployed to improve patient care.

In this presentation, we will discuss various types of agents and treatment options available in standardized care, along with updates on currently enrolling clinical trials.

Learn about the rapidly changing environment of therapeutic agents along with the latest clinical trials available for brain tumor patients.

Come learn about the basics of Neuro-Imaging and how 1.5T/3T (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) modalites play important roles in detecting tumor progression.

Gain a better understanding about the basics of Neuro-Pathology along with the latest updates in this rapidly evolving discipline.

 

As Jeannine has attended brain tumor conferences for many years, she knows the UCLA Brain Tumor Center provides excellence, innovation, and top-notch care. This video will briefly share her brain tumor story and essential topics that might be helpful from this conference and your journey.

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Learn about methods used to help alleviate cancer fatigue.

What is immunotherapy? Come learn about immunotherapy and how the body’s natural T-cells have the potential to destroy cancer cells.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understand the enablers and challenges to providing proper neurological rehabilitation assessment in patients with brain tumors (primary adult) and brain metastases.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Symptoms from brain tumors and side-effects from associated treatments are discussed. Learn about what you can do to manage them.

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.

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.

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.

Get a closer look at low grade tumors. Epidemiology, treatment options and future directions are discussed.

A multi-disciplinary review of complex primary brain tumor cases. Moderator: Robert Chong, M.D., Ph.D.

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.