Neuro-Oncology

A duo of experts from Weill Cornell Medicine talked about the advancements made in diffuse midline gliomas research and clinical trials that may offer new hope for improving its historically poor prognosis.

The kinase inhibitor was approved for patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas (PN) not amenable to complete resection.

Michael McDermott, MD, chief medical executive at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, gave greater insights on the institute’s annual symposium, which offers attendees updates in cutting-edge imaging, surgical techniques, and neurocognitive research.

Michelle Bravo, MD, an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Miami, provided commentary on a rare case report of a subdural hematoma linked to spontaneous intracranial hypotension caused by a refractory CSF leak.

Tanya, a patient who lost her mobility due to undiagnosed spinal issues, discussed her life-saving surgery for spinal meningioma, and the complex surgical process she underwent to regain her strength.

Jim Cassidy, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at SpringWorks Therapeutics, talked about how the prioritization of mirdametinib, a promising treatment for both adult and pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas.

Mirdametinib, a treatment in development for adult and pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas, was granted a PDUFA target action date of February 28, 2025.

For up to 24 months, patients on mirdametinib demonstrated significant improvements in pain severity, pain interference, and health-related quality of life, in addition to deep and durable plexiform neurofibroma volume reductions.

Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer, presents substantial treatment challenges necessitating innovative therapies and interdisciplinary research to improve patient outcomes.

The neurologist and neuro-oncologist at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University provided clarity on a new analysis of the INDIGO study highlighting treatment benefits of vorasidenib in patients with IDH mutant grade 2 gliomas.

The neurosurgeon at Allegheny Health Network provided perspective on how GammaTile therapy is revolutionizing neurosurgery and post-operative processes of brain tumors.

Participants in the pilot study saw improvements in short-term memory, attention, and executive functioning.