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 Wenninger
braintumor@umn.edu

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Meeting Times

Date:	Speaker:	Location:
November 14, 2024	Soma Sengupta, MD, PhD, MBA, FRCP, FAAN, FANA University of North Carolina	PWB 3-152 & Zoom
December 12, 2024	Nicholas E. Wojtynek, PhD, Chimerix	MCRB 450 & Zoom
January 9, 2025	Malgorzata Marjanska, PhD University of Minnesota	MCRB 450 & Zoom
February 13, 2025	Lukmanul Hakkim, PhD Hormel Institute	MCRB 450 & Zoom
March 13, 2025	Andrew Khalil, PhD University of Minnesota	MCRB 450 & Zoom

Brain Tumor Program

Brain Tumors

+ Meeting Times

Meeting Times