5^th International Conference on Neuro-Oncology and Brain Tumor August 14-15, 2019 Tokyo, Japan

Biography:

Atique Ahmed is currently working as the Assistant Professor of Cancer Biology and Member of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, USA. He has completed his PhD in Molecular Medicine from Mayo Graduate School, USA. He has over 66 publications that have been cited over 3400 times, and his publication H-index is 34 and has been the recipient of American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant as well as his research is funded by the National Institute of Health, USA.

 

 

Abstract:

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and one of the most lethal brain tumors in adults. Previously, we have shown that anti-glioma chemotherapy Temozolomide (TMZ) initiates plasticity in glioma cells by promoting the conversion of differentiated glioma cells to therapy resistant Glioma Stem-Like Cells (GS-lCs). Our initial investigation indicated that the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) group protein EZH2 is critical for this therapy-induced cellular plasticity. Genome-wide Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in parallel with DNA sequencing analyses (ChIP-seq) revealed 1449 distinct regions enriched for EZH2 binding, specifically at the promoter regions of several genes including PTPRT, CDK5R2, and SIGLEC6, which work together to activate STAT3, a master transcription factor that is key in promoting the GS-IC niche. Recent reports have also demonstrated that the oncogenic activity of EZH2 is independent of PRC2. Consequently, we investigated if the non-canonical function of EZH2 is involved in chemo resistance in GBM by performing RNA seq analysis in GBM cells treated with TMZ (+/-EZH2) inhibitor. ARL13B, a member of the ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein family responsible for cilia maintenance, was the only gene whose expression was significantly down regulated in the presence of EZH2 inhibitors (6-fold, p<0.05, FDR=0.05). In the GBM patient database, ARL13B expression negatively correlates with time to recurrence. The shRNA-mediated knockdown of ARL13B in the Patient-derived Xenograft (PDX) model of GBM significantly impaired the ability of cells to form an orthotropic tumor in three different GBM subtypes. Most importantly, knocking down ARL13B significantly sensitized PDXs to TMZ therapy. These results suggest that a novel EZH2-ARL13B axis contributes to chemo resistance in GBM by promoting cellular plasticity regulated therapeutic adaptation.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background & Aim: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness causing significant socio-occupational impairment. Although occupational opportunities usually correspond with educational qualifications, research shows that several factors influence employment among mentally ill. Higher education correlates with better outcome with rehabilitative measures like cognitive training. An observational study was conducted at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the tertiary mental healthcare and rehabilitation center at Singapore, to identify major variables associated with employment among patients with schizophrenia. In Singapore, all residents receive at least primary level education. The study aims to explore whether educational status determines employability and job sustainability in persons with schizophrenia.

Method: Residents of Singapore with DSM-IV diagnosis of Schizophrenia attending IMH clinics were included for study. Relevant data was collected from 120 consenting participants.

Result: Of the 120 participants, 49.2% had attained secondary education and 18.3% employed; 31.7% had university education and 15% were employed. In total, 38.3% were working at time of study and 60.8% in the past. 87.5% (43% secondary and 30% university educated, respectively) participants had rehabilitation potential as expressed by self-interest and past employment.

Conclusion: Educational level only facilitates initial job-seeking and does not ensure long-term employment; but it improves potential for rehabilitation, which in turn enhances job sustainability in mentally unwell persons.

 

Biography:

Frank van de Goot is a registered Anatomical Pathologist and an expert witness in the field of forensic pathology. He studied Medicine and Anatomical Pathology at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Rechtsmedizin at the Zentrum für Rechtsmedizin in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The first seven years of his career he worked both as a Forensic Pathologist at the Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI) in The Hague, The Netherlands and as an Anatomical Pathologist at the VU University Medical Center. He now works at Symbiant Pathology Expert Centre, where he is on a mission to improve forensic and autopsy education for both medical and non-medical students.

 

Abstract:

Aero toxic syndrome or also toxic air syndrome is subject of debate since decades. The use of organophosphates in engine oil of modern airplanes is considered, even in very low concentrations can be toxic for the nerve system. Many auteurs claim this toxicity however many others deny the thesis. We investigated nine people employed in the aviation industry who died unexpectedly. According to these findings we cannot confirm or reject the thesis but our findings certainly support the call for methodical multidisciplinary research on the matter to prove that (parts of) the thesis a correct or to reject the statement a lay the matter finally to rest.

 

Biography:

Catherine Maurice completed her residency training in Neurology at the University of Montreal in 2013. She then started a 2-year fellowship in neuro-oncology at the Pencer Brain Tumor Centre of Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, under the supervision of Dr Warren P. Mason. In 2015, University of Toronto Health Network recruited Dr. Catherine Maurice to work as an attending physician and clinical teacher. She developed a new neuro-oncology clinic focusing on the to assessment of neurologic complications resulting from systemic cancers and novel therapies. She also manages another clinic focused on primary brain tumors and is enrolled in the multidisciplinary Gamma-Knife Clinic of the Krembil Neuroscience Centre. Dr. Maurice is actively involved in teaching, trying to incorporate new technologies and virtual reality into medical education.

 

Abstract:

We entered in a new era of cancer treatment characterized by the arrival of novel therapies. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of various solid tumors and hematological malignancies. On the other hand, the emergence of unpredicted multi-systemic side effects resulting from those agents became challenging for clinicians. Neurological toxicity, while rare, could be life threatening and even lethal. In addition, neurological toxicity is certainly under-diagnosed, considering the paucity of current supporting literature. Novel therapies are linked to unprecedented clinical pictures; physicians need to be vigilant. The next step, establishing a plan in the absence of algorithm, relies on judgment and insight. This presentation aims to raise awareness about the emergence of uncommon neurological events, in the new era of immunotherapy. Short cases scenarios will be presented supported by radiology images and pathology pictures. “Quiz” questions will be prepared to interact with the audience. The goal is to trigger interest about the field of Neuro-Oncology. The presentation will be adapted for guests of every level of training (students, PhD, physicians, specialists).

 

Biography:

Lynnette Lyzwinski is pursuing her PhD in Medicine at the School of Medicine at University of Queensland in the Department of Psychiatry and the Centre for Online Health. Her research interests include clinical trials and health promotions behaviors for promoting mental well-being and reducing lifestyle behavioral risk factors. She has special interests in mHealth, mindfulness and lifestyle medicine.

 

Abstract:

Background: University students are at risk of weight gain during their studies. Key factors related to weight gain in this population include unhealthy weight related behaviors due to stress. Mindfulness holds promise for weight management. However, there has not been a previous trial that has explored the effectiveness of a student-tailored mindfulness app for stress, weight related behavior’s and weight. There is limited evidence that current mindfulness apps use evidence-based mindfulness techniques. A novel app was developed that combined evidence-based mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindful eating techniques that were tailored to university students, with student relevant themes for targeting weight behavior’s, weigh and stress.

Method: A two arm Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of 11 weeks duration was undertaken at the University of Queensland. Students were randomized to the mindfulness app (N=45) or to a behavioral self-monitoring electronic diary (e-diary) (N=45) for diet and exercise. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in weight, stress, mindfulness, mindful eating, physical activity and eating behaviors between both groups.

Results: Neither the mindfulness app group nor the e-diary group lost weight nor there were no differences between groups at follow-up. The mindfulness app group had significantly lower stress levels (adherers only), lower emotional eating and uncontrolled eating as well as higher mindfulness and mindful eating levels overall (p-values<0.05). The e-diary group had Higher Metabolic Equivalents (MET) of moderate activity levels (p-value<0.05). However, the effect sizes were small. Regular adherence to the mindfulness exercises in the app was low in the group. The majority of students (94%) liked the app and found it to be acceptable. The most helpful reported meditation was the short breathing exercise observing the breath (39.5% preferred it) compared with other exercises.

Biography:

Ankita Gupta is Senior Resident at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

 

Abstract:

This prospective study was conducted to investigate the impact of prophylactic Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) on acute hematological toxicity and treatment interruptions in patients of medulloblastoma receiving Craniospinal Irradiation (CSI). Patients of medulloblastoma post-surgical excision were given CSI in a dose of 36 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction and concurrent vincristine along with biweekly administration of G-CSF in a dose of 15 mg/kg, followed by a Posterior Fossa (PF) boost of 18 Gy. Weekly hemogram was performed for documentation of hematological toxicity and resultant treatment interruptions were noted. The results were compared with historical controls from a retrospective analysis conducted at our institute. A total of 28 patients were included in the study. Hematological toxicity was observed in 11 (39.3%) patients, of which grade 3 and grade 2 toxicities were seen in 10 and 1 patients respectively (RTOG). All these patients suffered breaks in CSI. Of these, interruptions lasting for more than 5 days were observed only in 2 (7.6%) patients. This is well below the results from our previous analysis when patients did not receive prophylactic G-CSF during CSI and 73.1% suffered treatment breaks due to hematological toxicity. We also observed that younger age (<10 years) was significantly associated with the development of hematological toxicity (p=0.028, Chi-Square), while no correlation was obtained with pre-treatment blood counts. The interim results of this study suggest that prophylactic application of G-CSF during CSI for medulloblastoma results in lower hematological toxicity and hence, less treatment interruptions. Recruitment is ongoing and whether this approach translates into improved treatment efficacy will be confirmed after the final results with longer follow-up are obtained.

 

Biography:

Loreto Yanez is a Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Use of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Adults With Metastatic Brain Tumors. Graber, J. et al.

 

Abstract:

In Santiago the first cyberknife equipment (model M6) was installed at Fundación Arturo López Pérez in 2016. The first patient was treated on March 21, 2016. Cyberknife radiosurgery has been done in intra and extracranial targets. Interestingly three cases have been young adults (mean 35 years old, 2 female one man) with the diagnosis of cervical schwannomas. None of them has stigmata or diagnosis of neurofibromatosis. Two patients had a confirmatory biopsy. Since this treatment has not very extensible been published in the literature the aim of this work is to review the pathogenesis, incidence, diagnosis, radiology characteristics and treatment of spinal schwannomas and the possible indications, therapeutic doses and results of radiosurgery. For this complicated surgical location, radiosurgery presents as a reasonable and safe option for patients with symptomatic or enlarging schwannomas, clinically effective.

 

 

Biography:

Indah Sandy Febryanti is currently working as a General Practitioner at University of Trisakti, Indonesia.

 

Abstract:

One of many neurological conditions that can mimic brain neoplasms is infection. It is important to distinguish between infection and neoplasm to provide correct treatment. We report a case of 31-years-old female presented with recurrent headache and dizziness prior to one month before admission. No history of fever. No other neurological deficit was found. Vital signs are normal. Laboratory investigations showed no signs of infection or inflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with contrast showed infratentorial mass at left cerebellum located anterior above left CPA that showed enhancement with perifocal edema and compression of fourth ventricle, dilatation of third ventricle and bilateral lateral ventricle. Magnetic resonance of the brain spectroscopy without contrast showed non-malignant neoplasm feature with elevated choline, creatinine and N-acetylaspartate curve also reduced in lipids. The lesion was preoperatively diagnosed with possible meningioma or hemangiopericytoma. The patient underwent uneventful craniotomy surgery with retromastoid approach. Intra-operatively, the mass identified in the cerebellar parenchyma that could be handled with suction easily, yet prone to bleed. The pathological study of the mass showed wide necrotic area of tissue with plasma cells and no malignant feature was found. Morphologic diagnosis pointed towards infection, cerebellar parenchyma supportive chronic inflammation. No specific organism was found. No tuberculosis bacteria were found. Extensive laboratory examinations showed no sign of infection or inflammation. Patient recovered after surgical resection and decompression with full neurological function and subsided headache and dizziness. Patient is scheduled for more follow-up and work-up to distinguish between infection and neoplasm.

 

Biography:

Abstract: