Crux of Neuro oncology, a comprehensive CME on brain tumors, mainly gliomas, was conducted by IOSPL and Fortis Hospital, Noida on March 30, 2019. It brought together oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical physicists and, radiotherapy technologists. It was an academic fiesta, with interactive lectures and panel discussions. The topics ranged from latest imaging technologies, molecular genetics and their clinical applications, and preferred treatment modalities in recurrent disease. Institutional data and experience were also shared. The audience participated with great enthusiasm making itsuccessful. Speakers and panellists were felicitated with mementos, and CME culminated with continuing interactions over the dinner.
Brain cancer poses a unique challenge to cancer research and neuroscience, and its study demands a unique research environment, one that recognizes the special nature of the central nervous system and the tumors that develop there.
The direct, indirect, and treatment-related effects of cancer on the nervous system have received variable attention by neurologists over the past century. The diseases encompassed in the neuro-oncology field and our understanding of them has increased rapidly during the past years. In part, progress has been driven by technological achievements in neuro imaging, in particular, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These advances have allowed unprecedented opportunities to view the anatomy and pathology of the central nervous system (CNS) and, to an extent, portions of the peripheral nervous system that could be affected by cancer or its treatment. Clear gains have occurred in diagnostic accuracy, neurosurgical safety, ease of tumor resection, and safer and more accurate radiotherapy. After carmustine chemotherapy was introduced in the late 1960s, neurosurgeons and a new breed of physician, the neuro-oncologist, investigated the clinical benefits of an increasing number of anticancer agents against gliomas, medulloblastomas, and metastatic tumors in the CNS. In parallel, another sector of neuro-oncology developed that was more closely allied with neurology. The focus of this activity was in correlative neurology and pain management issues.
