“Understanding Brain Tumors” Webinar
The next in the ABTA’s series of free educational webinars will be held on Thursday, September 27 at 11 a.m. CDT. “Understanding Brain Tumors” will be hosted by Dr. Tim Cloughsey, director and clinical professor, UCLA Neuro-oncology Program. To register, click here.

All-New Patient Education Materials
The American Brain Tumor Association’s patient education booklet series has been completely reviewed, updated and redesigned. The booklets include a wide variety of topics covering tumor types and treatment options, including a brand new publication on proton therapy. All booklets are available for free download at www.abta.org. Printed copies may also be requested in single-copy or bulk quantities.
 

2012 ABTA Research Outcomes Summaries
Last month, 29 ABTA-funded research awardees gathered in Chicago at our 2012 Patient and Family Conference to share their study results with patients, caregivers and health care professionals. This unique setting fostered sharing between patients and researchers, helping each understand the challenges of living with a brain tumor and the research approaches to changing this disease. To see summaries of the research your ABTA donations made possible, click here.  

Congenital Glioblastoma
Congenital brain tumors, which typically present during the first two months of life, account for less than 2% of all pediatric brain tumors; congenital glioblastoma (cGBM) is amongst the rarest of these tumors. Recent ABTA awardee Dr. Lynne Bemis contributed to a study that compared the biologic profiles of these tumors with other GBMs. The team found that cGBMs show a similar profile to other GBMs, with some distinct differences. They also noted that if the infant was able to tolerate birth and initial surgery or biopsy, long term survival following moderate intensity chemotherapy may be expected. A summary of the study, appearing in Neuro-oncology (July 2012), can be found here.

Estimating Survival Among Patients with Brain Metastasis 
The most common primary tumors that metastasize to the brain are lung, melanoma, renal and breast cancer. The ability to counsel patients regarding expected clinical outcomes and prognosis may be helpful to both patients and clinicians. A research study authored in part by ABTA research awardees Drs. Jill Barnholtz Sloan and Andrew Sloan, and ABTA Scientific Advisory Council member Dr. Minesh Mehta presents a nomogram for estimating individualized survival among patients with brain metastasis. The graphical device assigns point values to several variables; total points then are used to predict survival probabilities. The authors plan to offer the tool as freeware. In the interim, read more here.
 

Long Term Survival in a Dog with Oligodendroglioma
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science (August 2012) details treatment of a 9-year-old French Bulldog diagnosed via MRI scan with a glioma and treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy. After four months, the tumor recurred and the Bulldog underwent chemotherapy with a common chemotherapy drug, CCNU. The article describes the dog’s seizures, treatment, canine depression, cognitive dysfunction and the tumor’s immunohistochemistry. Access the entire article here.

Help Us “Breakthrough” in New York City
It’s just three months away… Be part of our inaugural Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Run/Walk in New York City on Saturday, November 10th, 2012. Your participation allows the ABTA to advance the research that leads to life-saving breakthroughs while we help patients and their families cope with the life-altering challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis. Register at www.breakthroughforbraintumors.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at all levels. If you, a friend or family member are interested in having your company sponsor the event, please contact Geoff Gephart, Director of National Events, at ggephart@abta.org.
 

St. Louis Fall Festival Turns 15 on the 15^th!
The 15^th annual St. Louis Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the St. Louis Science Center in St. Louis, MO. Click here to register. 
 

Humor to Fight the Tumor Raises Spirits and Awareness
The ninth annual Humor to Fight the Tumor Gala, benefitting the American Brain Tumor Association, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22, at The Depot in Minneapolis, MN. Register today at www.humortofightthetumor.com. 

Tee Off at the Paul Fabbri Memorial Golf Classic
The 15^th Annual Paul Fabbri Memorial Golf Classic will take place on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, IL. Click here to register.

 
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) was the first national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumor research. For nearly 40 years, the Chicago-based ABTA has been providing comprehensive resources that support the complex needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, as well as the critical funding of research in the pursuit of breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment and care.

Make a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association.

This information is provided by the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631. For more information about the American Brain Tumor Association, call toll-free 866-659-1030, write info@abta.org or visit www.abta.org.

"American Brain Tumor Association" and "TrialConnect" are registered trademarks of the American Brain Tumor Association. The ABTA logo, the "Breakthrough for Brain Tumors" name and logo, and the "Team Breakthrough" name and logo are trademarks of the American Brain Tumor Association. All rights reserved.

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