Brain Tumor Program

Brain Tumors

Brain cancer is a life-threatening diagnosis that occurs when abnormal cells in the brain or spinal cord grow and divide rapidly, interfering with normal brain function. There are over 120 different types of brain tumors, each with different characteristics that influence treatment options. Treatments can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, requiring a multidisciplinary team to optimize care for each individual patient. Visit the following links to learn more about how Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview doctors treat brain cancer:

Brain Tumor Program Translational Working Group

The mission of the University of Minnesota Brain Tumor Program (UMBTP) is to continually distinguish itself as a national leader in the field of neuro-oncology by combining the principles of outstanding clinical care and education with cutting edge research. As a translational neuro-oncology program, the UMBTP accelerates the flow of discovery from its basic scientists to its clinical researchers. Together, they work to develop safer, more effective, and innovative treatment strategies.

This "bench-to-bedside" approach is made possible through the collaboration of strong, multidisciplinary teams. With representation from diverse backgrounds and disciplines including cancer genetics, virology, neurology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, and veterinary medicine, the collective focus of the UMBTP is to better the lives of patients with brain cancer and to place a cure in reach.

Another means for translational brain cancer research unique to the UMBTP is through comparative oncology in partnership with the Canine Brain Tumor Program. Conducted through the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, the goal of these clinical trials is to provide cutting edge therapy to dogs to preserve quality of life and improve long-term survival rates. The information gained from treating canine patients with these novel therapeutic interventions can then be utilized to design similar treatment strategies for people diagnosed with brain cancers.

Co-Leaders:
David Largaespada, PhD
Elizabeth Neil, MD

Administrative Contact:
Abby Maki, MPH
[email protected]

Expand all

Meeting Times

Date:	Speaker:	Location:
February 12, 2026	Zuzan Cayci, MD University of Minnesota	NHH 4-101 & Zoom
March 12, 2026	Anne Bendel, MD Children's Minnesota	NHH 4-101 & Zoom
April 9, 2026	Gasper Kitange, MD, PhD The Hormel Institute	NHH 4-101 & Zoom
May 14, 2026	TBD	NHH 4-101 & Zoom
June 11, 2026	TBD	NHH 4-101 & Zoom
July 9, 2026	TBD	NHH 4-101 & Zoom

Brain Tumor Program

Brain Tumors

+ Meeting Times

Meeting Times