The Joint Section on Tumors portion of the Scientific Program for the AANS Meeting in Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon will feature guest presentations on tumor vaccines and anti-angiogenic approaches to glioma therapy. Awards will be given in the categories of best resident research paper (Preuss), best clinical research by a neurosurgeon (Mahaley), best research by a neurosurgeon within the first 6 years of practice (Young Investigator), best translational research by a practicing neurosurgeon (NBTF), and contributions by an established investigator to neuro-oncology (Farber). There will also be a special course on surgical neuro-oncology on Thursday morning.
The Third Satellite Symposium will take place immediately following the AANS Annual Meeting. Featured topics for invited speakers and platform presentations include tumor promoters and suppressers, meningiomas, futuristic therapies, and angiogensis and invasion, as well as a special lecture on pituitary tumors by the AANS President, Edward R. Laws, Jr., MD. The quality and quantity of submitted abstracts is gratifying.
Essentials of Clinical Neuro-Oncology
The book “Essentials of Clinical Neuro-Oncology” to be published by Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers with significant input from members of the Section is progressing. This book will feature chapters on most aspects of neuro-oncology and will incorporate special features such as pearls and pitfalls in highlighted text. It should be a very informative and user-friendly volume.
Outcomes Projects
The Glioma Outcomes (GO) Project, sponsored by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, is also well underway with over 30 centers registered. The study features an instrument designed to facilitate prospective collection of outcome data, including comprehensive quality of life information on patients with malignant gliomas. The Section has also taken a leadership role in the development of Practice Parameters for low-grade glioma, which is nearing completion, and brain metastases, which has just started.
We have also recently articulated our perceived priority areas in NIH funding to the Washington Committee: (1) clinical and laboratory studies in gene therapy; (2) basic research into the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and tumor resistant to treatment; and (3) clinical studies such as a randomized study of radiation in the initial management of patients with low-grade glioma.