ABTA Sharing Hope Program Brings Together Brain Tumor Patients and Survivors with Young Cancer Researchers

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 14, 2007

Young, talented researchers, funded by the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) over the past one-to-two years, were able to showcase their scientific efforts and findings with the people who matter most - brain tumor patients, survivors and their families.

The unique exchange was part of the ABTA's two-day Sharing Hope program, held June 8 and 9, 2007 at the Lincolnshire Marriott in Lincolnshire, IL. The ABTA hosts similar programs throughout the country each year, bringing together medical experts with brain tumor patients, survivors and family members for seminars and information exchanges outside of the typical clinical setting. More than 400 people attended last weekend's event.

The Friday Notable Research Reception showcased the work of 29 ABTA-funded researchers, said ABTA Executive Director Naomi Berkowitz. For many of the researchers, the event provided a first-ever opportunity to actually meet with the patients for whom their work is so critical.

"The intent of the ABTA research awards is to encourage talented scientists early in their careers to enter, or remain in, the field of brain tumor research," said Berkowitz. In 2007, to date, the ABTA has awarded more than $2 million in research grants.

"Today we have 360,000 brain tumor survivors," said Berkowitz. "We could not have made that statement ten or more years ago. This is progress. For this we thank the scientists dedicated to neuro-oncology."

Advances in brain tumor diagnosis and treatment are "exploding," said Dr. Nicholas A. Vick, professor of neurology at the Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and the event moderator. "There is unbelievable growth in the basic science" pertaining to the cell and molecular growth that causes brain tumors. "We're on the cusp of a new era. Chemotherapy and radiation may soon be supplanted by drugs that act in totally different ways."

Each of the 29 researchers brought a graphic display highlighting their scientific findings. The researchers were grouped by topic: Tumorigenesis, Angiogenesis, Medulloblastoma; Resistance and Progression; Regulation, Signaling and Movement; and Therapies.

Dr. Vick and four discussants - one for each topic - summarized the research and explained the scientific terminology. After the overview, patients and family members were encouraged to view the displays and ask questions of the individual researchers.

"You don't know how much I appreciate meeting with patients," said Nathalie Agar, Ph.D., a 2005-2007 ABTA Research Fellow working at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass. on cellular movement in gliomas (the most common type of primary brain tumor).

"I'm a basic scientist with little patient interaction, so tonight makes it very real," said Agar. "Now I'll go back to my work and think 'this is why I'm doing this'."

Dorothy Drake, of Woodridge, IL, an oligodendroglioma brain tumor survivor, said, "It's absolutely fascinating to actually talk to people involved in brain tumor research. All of this is about the future. I want to tell these researchers: 'Think of me; think of my face and the people here tonight that you're working to help'.

"I am so grateful that people are able to provide the funding for this research; it reinforces a sense of hope," said Drake.

In addition to the research reception, Sharing Hope attendees were able to choose from a wide-range of educational seminars on topics including brain tumor basics, treatment advances, financial assistance, coping tips, behavioral and personality changes following brain surgery, stress management, living with the "new normal" after a brain tumor diagnosis, caregiver guidelines, and the treatment of pediatric patients.

Earlier on Friday, participants attended a David Bailey concert. Bailey, a 10-year survivor of a malignant brain tumor and an award-winning songwriter, performed selections from his 14 inspirational and moving albums, challenging listeners to live passionately and treasure each day.

On Saturday, June 9th, participants had the opportunity to sit in on a Mock Tumor Board Meeting and learn about the complex discussions that take place among teams of physicians treating brain tumors, and how treatment suggestions evolve.

The two-day program culminated on Saturday with a final reception where participants shared hugs, e-mail addresses, and good wishes.

About the American Brain Tumor Association
Founded in 1973 out of desperate need, by two Chicago-area women who lost their daughters to brain tumors, the American Brain Tumor Association works to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families.

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