Spring / Summer 2007 - UCLA Neuro

Caregiver Support Group
For Families and Friends of Brain Tumor Patients
Care giving is a human act of kindness required by all family members. Those faced with caring for a loved one with a cancer diagnosis can be especially difficult. UCLA Caregiver support group is
designed to help and encourage those facing all support challenges,
and help give the mental strength to deal with all of the emotions
caregivers’ experience. If you would like to attend the next meeting
please call (310) 825-6134 to RSVP.
Group meets at:
Radiation Oncology
200 UCLA Medical Plaza
Conference Room B265, Level B2
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Next Meeting Dates:
March 8
(Thursday)
April 12 ( Thursday)
Time: 6:30
p.m.
- 8:30 p.m.
Memorial Funds
Katie Abbott
Marty Cronin
Bill Grahn
Marlin Kurle
Nancy Rose
Barbara Adeshek
Stephanie Crystal
Kevin M. Green
Leonard Lazarus
Merle Sanders
Elizabeth Adler
Aida Dagort
Patricia Grengs
Lee Lobell
Mark Schackman
Arthur Allen, MD
Baldo Dal Ponte
Marie Halsey
Stephanie Lopez
Russell Schwartzman
June Anderson
Rod Davidson
Jerry Harms
Stuart Lough
Ronald Sholkoff
Scott Anderson
Alex Demos
Steven Harris
Shirley Luedde
Connie Shur
Ron Antoine
Clark Desser
Russell Harrison
Jack Maloney
Ray Sifling
Tom Atkinson
Florin Dumitra
Dolores Hernandez
Tina Manaster
Ira Simon
Dorothy Beardman
Michael C. Dunn, MD Ralph Holt
Ron Martin
Richard C. Smith
Richard Beatty
Neal Elliott
Arthur Hopwood
Jesse Mazon
Arthur Sorosky, MD
Jaqueline Bird
Silas Ely
Roger Hughes, Sr.
F. Leon McDonald Barry Spiegelman
Tom Bishop
Yvonne J. Endicott
Steven Hulsy
James McDonald
Mike Srednick
Joan Black
Charles English
Nancy Hunter
Zane Melmed
Joseph Stewart
Paul Bleschrmidt
Mark Estrin
Ronn Iverson
Todd Miller
Harry Stone
Marvin Borden
Elsie Flores
John Jacobs
Sandra Morrisey
Ronn Teitelbaum
Kevin Boyle
Amnon Friedman
Sharon Johl
Nellie Mortillaro
Brad Uecker
Melvin Brody, MD
Kelly Garthoffner
Dennis Johnson
Ron Morton
Sharon Vandervort
John Canon
Laurie Gaston
Peter Joseph
Tamara Muinos
Leslie Waldbauer
Gerald Chazan
Jane Gekler
Richard Joswig
Prem Munjal
Robert Watkin
Walter Churgin
Michael Gentile
Richard Justice
Nancy Oard
Ed Watts
Nina Citrin
Scott Gerow
Grannum Kaplan
Julietta C. Ortiz
Robert Weatherwax
Richard Clayton
John Gibbs
Shodja Kargari
Jean-Pierre Perez
Chris Weisz
Joseph Copeland
Laura Gipson
Kathy Kaufman
Walter Peter
Eric Weller
Carol Corey
Lindsey Glassford
Chris Knowles
Jeff Popovich
Capp Wormley
Theodore Coy
Joan Glick
Erika Kohrer
Theodore Reynolds
Sigi Ziering
Susan Crane
Armando Gonzalez
Kishan Kooner
Kevin Riley
Irving Zimmelman
H. Eugene Crawford
Edward Gorsuch
Elizabeth Korengold David Roesch
For more information about any of our Memorial Funds or if you would like to create or donate to a Memorial Fund,
please call Luzianne Dugenia at (310) 206-3610.
Breakthroughs is published quarterly by University of California, Los Angeles - Neuro-Oncology Program through generous support from this issues advertising sponsor. Address changes may be made online at www.neurooncology.ucla.edu.
For more information about any of the articles in this issue please email your comments to neuroonc@ucla.edu or visit
www.neurooncology.ucla.edu
Breakthroughs Magazine: Spotlighting New Discovery in Brain Cancer Research.
UCLA begins new Avastin trial for Grade IV
GBM patients
Albert Lai M.D.: UCLA Neuro-Oncology; Timothy Cloughesy M.D.: UCLA Neuro-Oncology
Leading pharmaceutical companies drug development pipelines are yielding more sophisticated candidate
therapies for patients diagnosed with a primary brain tumor, this according to researchers at UCLA Medical
Center. Genentech’s latest drug, Avastin is one of the most promising drugs introduced by the pharmaceutical giant. Bevacizumab, or Avastin is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) protein and is looking to help slow the growth of these fast moving tumors.
“Numerous publications have indicated VEGF to be been found secreted in the tissue of Glioblastoma
Multiforme tumors, mediate tumor angiogenesis and ultimately lead to progression of disease,“ explains Dr.
Albert Lai of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program. “Avastin attempts to prevent this process by binding to
vascular endothelial growth factor protein and impeding angiogenesis. “
Avasitin has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of
metastatic colorectal cancer, and preliminary studies have shown that the relatively new drug may be able to
increase treatment response rate ten fold.
In response to this new data UCLA Neuro-Oncology is sponsoring a Phase II trial which will further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Avastin when taken alone or when taken in combination with Irinotecan a
topoisomerase inhibitor. Irinotecan is also an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of certain other cancers
that directly attacks and damages cancer cells. The study will also determine whether Avastin with or without Irinotecan can prevent or slow the growth of the tumor and lead to increase length of survival.
The treatment cycle for the study involves Radiation Therapy for six weeks with daily Temozolomide administered orally from days 1 to 42. Upon completion of Radiation Therapy, Temozolomide with be continued at monthly cycles of 5 days on, 23 days off. Avastin is given through an intravenously infusion every
two weeks beginning on the first day of Radiation Therapy, and then continued for two years.
Enrollment is limited to 70 patients. All patients must have been newly-diagnosed with Glioblastoma
Multiforme primary brain tumor. Patients must NOT have received any prior radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
According the UCLA Neuro-Oncology program 10 patients have already been enrolled thus far.
“Avastin is not only the newest drug in our arsenal, but is also showing promising results when used in a
combination therapy setting,” explains Dr. Timothy Cloughesy Program Director of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology.
Unique to the UCLA sponsored study is the requirement fresh tissue must be collected for enrollment in the
study. This critical component will allow UCLA researchers to determine whether the presence of genetic
alterations, gene expression and promoter methylation patterns can predict whether this drug is effective on
the tumor when taken with conventional treatment.
Surgery may be performed at any institution; however tissue must be saved according to the study protocol
guidelines and transported to UCLA Medical Center under “fresh-frozen” conditions.
For more information on this clinical trial opportunity, please call Emese Filka, Clinical Trials Coordinator
of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program, at (310) 794-3521.
March 2007
Clinical Trials: Open Enrollment
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important, personal decision. It is often helpful to talk to a
physician, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. After identifying some trial options, the
next step is to contact the study research staff and ask questions about specific trials.
Clinical trials are conducted in three phases: Phase I trials, researchers test an experimental drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage
range, and identify side effects. Phase II trials, the experimental study drug or treatment is given to a larger
group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety. Phase III trials, the experimental study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow
the experimental drug or treatment to be used safely.
(NABTC 05-02)
(AMG [102]
20050253)
A Phase I/II Studies of Bay 43-9006 (sorafenib) in Combination with OSI-774 (erlotinib), R115777 (tipifarnib) or CCI-779 (temsirolimus) in Patients with Recurrent
Glioblastoma Multiforme or Gliosarcoma.
Phase II Single Arm Trial of VEGF Trap in Patients with Recurrent TemozolomideResistant Malignant Gliomas.
Phase I Study of Vorinostat (Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid [SAHA]) in Combination with Temozolomide in Patients with Malignant Gliomas.
Phase I/II Study of OSI-774 (Erlotinib) and CCI-779 (Temsirolimus) in Patients
with Recurrent Malignant Glioma.
Phase I/II, Dual-Center, Open-Label Trial of the Saftey and Efficacy of Tarceva Plus
Sirolimus in Patients with Recurrent Malignant Glioma Not on P450-Inducing AntiEpileptics.
Phase I, Dose Finding and Pharmacokinetic Study of Intravenous RTA 744 in Patients with Recurrent or Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma (AA), Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma (AO), Anaplastic Mixed Oligo-Astrocytoma (AOA), Glioblastoma
Multiforme (GBM) or Gliosarcoma (GS), with or without Concurrent Treatment
with Enzyme-Inducing Anticonvulsant Drug Therapy.
Multicenter, Open-label, Single Agent, Two-Stage Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of AMG 102 in Subjects with Advanced Malignant Glioma
(ST 01-402)
Oral ST1481 in Adults with Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Phase II Clinical Trial.
(NABTC 03-02)
Phase II Trial of EMD 121974 for Recurrent Glioblastoma: A Clinical Trial with Tissue Correlates of Response
Biomarker and Phase II Study of GW572016 in Recurrent Malignant Glioma.
Phase II Trial of Bevacizumab in Combination with Temozolomide and Regional
Radiation Therapy for Upfront Treatment of Patients with Newly-Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme.
Prospective National Study to Molecularly and Genetically Characterize Human
Gliomas: The Glioma Molecular Diagnostic Initiative
Phase I Trial of R115777 with Radiation Therapy and Tomozolomide in Patients
with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme
(NABTC 06-01)
(NABTC 04-03)
(NABTC 04-02)
(OSI-3181S)
(RTA744-C0401)
(NABTC 04-01)
(AVF3770)
(NABTC 01-07)
(NABTC 02-02)
For more information about any of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program’s clinical trials listed, please contact Emese
Filka, Clinical Trials Coordinator, at (310) 794-3521
Breakthroughs Magazine: Spotlighting New Discovery in Brain Cancer Research.
UCLA Neuro-Oncology to host
7th Annual Brain Tumor Conference
March 23rd - 24th, 2007
Join brain cancer survivors, family members, friends and health care professionals at the Seventh Annual
Brain Tumor Conference, hosted by the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program.
This FREE conference will offer participants the opportunity to hear leading healthcare professionals speak
about the latest treatments for brain tumors. Through this conference, the Neuro-Oncology Program promotes the sharing of information and experience between brain tumor survivors, their families, friends and
health care professionals.
MEETING LOCATION
The meeting will be held at Bradley International
HOW TO REGISTER
Pre-registration is required. Early registration is encouraged Hall on the UCLA campus. Address: 417 Charles
E. Young Dr. West (Located near the corner of
as conference space and materials are limited.
Gayley Avenue & Strathmore Drive.)
Conference Participants may register securely online and
view updated conference schedule and events by visiting:
www.neurooncology.ucla.edu. The last day to register online is March 19, 2007.
Participants may also register by Mail by completing the
enclosed registration form and return it to UCLA NeuroOncology by March 16, 2007.
Event Details
Date
March 23rd -24th
8am - 4pm
Location
UCLA campus
Bradley International Hall
417 Charles E. Young
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Event Cost
FREE
Pre-registration is required
Online: Visit www.neurooncology.ucla.edu
and fill out the secure registration
form by March 19, 2007.
Mail: Fill out the enclosed registration
form and return by March 22, 2007
to: UCLA Neuro-Oncology
710 Westwood Plaza
Reed Bldg RM 1-230
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Fax: Or fax the enclosed registration form
to: (310) 825.0644
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
There are several surrounding hotels available for
accommodation during the conference.
UCLA Guest House Angeleno Hotel The W Hotel The Claremont Hotel Double Tree Hotel
Luxe Bel Air Hotel
(310) 825-2923
(310) 476-6411
(310) 208-8765
(310) 208-5957
(310) 475-8711
(310) 476-6571
Visit www.neurooncology.ucla.edu for updated conference schedule and events.
PARKING DIRECTIONS for Friday: Parking
for the conference on Friday is available on the
top level of Lot 8. Please see the Parking Kiosk
attendant located on Westwood Blvd. to purchase
a daily parking permit and for parking directions.
Follow signs leading to parking location on the
top level of Lot 8. (DAILY PARKING PERMITS
ARE $8). .
PARKING DIRECTIONS for Saturday: Parking
is available in Lot DD which is located adjacent
to the Tom Bradley Center. From Westwood
Blvd., make a left on Strathmore Drive. Make a
right on Charles E. Young Drive West. Make a
left turn at the first driveway on your left-hand
side and follow the road leading to the DykstraDeNeve Parking Structure (Lot DD) and purchase a parking permit from the attendant for Lot
DD.
March 2007
UCLA 7th Annual Brain Tumor Conference ~ Event/Session Schedule
The Seventh Annual Brain Tumor Conference is hosted by the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program. This FREE
conference will offer participants the opportunity to hear leading health care professionals speak about the
latest treatments for adult brain tumors and give the opportunity to learn about the community resources
that are available.
Friday Consult Sessions*
FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2007
8:00-9:00
Breakfast & Registration
9:00-9:15 Welcome
9:15-10:00 *Participants will also have the opportunity to register for a fifteen-minute consult
session with a participating physician specializing in neurooncology, neurosurgery,
radiation oncology, pathology and psyho-social consults with clinical social workers.
Legal consults will also be available with a Cancer Legal Resource Center representative
Sign-ups available only on day of event. (Topics subject to change)
Tim Cloughesy, MD, ~ Director, UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program
An Overview of Brain Tumors
Tim Cloughesy, MD
10:00-11:00
Neuro-Surgery Techniques
& Image-Guided Surgery Donald Becker, MD ~ UCLA Division of Neurosurgery
11:00-12:00
Chemotherapies/Biological Agents
12:00-1:00
LUNCH
1:00-2:00
2:00-3:00
Radiation Treatments/ Stereotactic Radiotherapy
Understanding Neuro-Pathology Paul Mischel, MD ~ UCLA Dept of Neuro-Pathology
3:00-4:00
Experimental Therapies: Clinical Trials and Immunotherapy
Tim Cloughesy, MD
Albert Lai, MD, Ph.D. ~ UCLA Dept of Neurology-Neurooncology
Antonio DeSalles, MD, Ph.D. ~ UCLA Division of Neurosurgery
SATURDAY, March 24, 2007
8:00-9:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose one from each session)
9:00-9:45am (Session I)
A. Legal Issues I: Employment & Benefits Joanna Morales, Esq. Director - Cancer Legal Resource Center 10:00-10:45am (Session II)
A. End of Life Issues
Mady Stovall, NP / Carrie Graham, NP UCLA Neuro-Oncology
11:00-11:45am (Session III)
A. Integrating Psycho-Social Support Into Your Treatment Plan Malcolm Schultz, JD, MFT
Wellness Community-West Los Angeles Breakfast & Registration
B. Brain Metastasis
C. Speech & Language Difficulties
Timothy Cloughesy, MD
TBA
UCLA Neuro-Oncology B. Symptom Management
C. Brain Tumors & Cognitive Abilities,
Nanette Fong, RN, MSN, NP Depression and Fatigue UCLA Neuro-Oncology Tom Kaleita, Ph.D.
UCLA Dept of Psychiatry & Biobeh.
B. Understanding Clinical Trials
Carrie Graham, RN, MSN, NP
UCLA Neuro-Oncology C. Support for the Caregiver
Cheryl Abe, LCSW - UCLA
Pam Hoff, LCSW - UCLA
UCLA Clinical Social Work
12:00-12:45pm LUNCH
12:45-1:30pm (Session IV)
A. Legal Issues II: Managing Managed Care
Joanna Morales
Cancer Legal Resource Center B. Nutrition
C. Seizure Management
Carolyn Katzin, MS, CNS Mady Stovall, RN, MSN, NP
Nutritionist
UCLA Neuro-Oncology 1:45-2:30pm (Session V)
A. GBM/Anaplastic Astrocytoma B. Meningiomas
C. Low Grade Tumors & D. Rare Tumors
Timothy Cloughesy, M.D.
Richard Green, M.D. Oligodendrogliomas Leia Nghiemphu, MD
Director, Kaiser LA Albert Lai, M.D., Ph.D. UCLA Neuro-Oncology Neuro-Oncology Program
Breakthroughs Magazine: Spotlighting New Discovery in Brain Cancer Research.
U C L A C O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M
Please complete this form and return to:
UCLA Brain Tumor Conference c/o Luzianne Dugenia
710 Westwood Plaza, Reed Bldg., Suite 1-230
Los Angeles, CA 90095
I­ f registering by fax, do NOT send additional copy by mail.
Fax: 310.825.0644
Phone: 310.206.3610
You can also register on our web site: www.neurooncology.ucla.edu
If registering family member(s) or companion(s), please complete a separate Registration Form for each
attendee and send all forms together in one envelope.
First Name _____________________________________Last Name___________________________________ Degree ___________
Title ___________________________________ Organization ________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________ State ___________________________ Zip _________________________
Day Time Phone ______________________________Evening Phone ____________________________________________________
Fax _________________________________________E-mail ________________________Other ____________________________
PERSONAL SELECTIONS
Please indicate which workshop(s) you plan to attend on each day:
Friday, March 23, 2007: Main Sessions Brain Tumors (9:15-10am) ______ Neuro-Surgery (10-11am) _______ Radiation/Stereotactic (1-2pm) _____ Neuro-Pathology (2-3pm) ________
Chemotherapies &
Biological Agents (11-12pm) ______
Experimental Therapies (3-4pm)_____
*Participants will also have the opportunity to register for a 15- minute consult session with a participating health care professional.
Psycho-Social and Legal consults also available. Registration and more detailed information will be available at the conference.
Saturday, March 24, 2007: Breakout Sessions
SESSION I: 9:00-9:45 a.m. (please choose one)
Legal Issues I ________ Tumor Type: Brain Metastasis_______ Speech & Language Difficulties_______
SESSION II: 10:00-10:45 a.m. (please choose one)
End of Life Issues________ Brain Tumors & Cognitive Abilities,
Depression and Fatigue ________
Symptom Management__________
SESSION III: 11:00-11:45 a.m. (please choose one)
Understanding Clinical Trials ______ Integ. PsychoSocial Support______
SESSION IV: 12:45-1:30 p.m. (please choose one)
Legal Issues II _____________ Nutrition_____________ Support for the Caregiver_______
Seizure Management _____________
SESSION V: 1:45-2:30 p.m. (please choose one)
GBM/AA _________ Low Grade/Oligo _________Meningioma ________
Rare Tumors _________
Please check here if you require a vegetarian meal: ________ Yes
_________ No
Please check here if you require special assistance:
________ Yes
_________ No
If yes, please specify the type of assistance needed:_____________________________________________________
Are you currently receiving treatments at UCLA for a brain tumor:
________ Yes _________ No
What type of brain tumor do you have? ______________________________________________________________
How did you hear about this conference? _____________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Space is limited, so please register early to guarantee a seat. Final mail-in registration date is
March 16, 2007. Online Registration Deadline is March 19, 2007. If you are unable to attend after registering, please let
us know as soon as possible.
March 2007
Art of the Brain 7th Anniversary Gala “Bonus Time”
Art of the Brain, a non-profit organization under the auspices of the UCLA Foundation, held its seventh
annual fundraiser on October 7, 2006 to spotlight the talent, courage and strength of brain cancer survivors
and raise the necessary funds for brain cancer research headed by Dr. Timothy Cloughesy at the UCLA
Neuro-Oncology Program.
The Seventh Annual Gala, entitled “Bonus Time,” was held at UCLA Schoenberg Hall and was attended by
more than 500 brain cancer research advocates, including Marcia Cross of television’s
Desperate Housewives and Wilmer Valderrama of That 70’s Show. Jason Barry of the
Phoenix CBS-affiliate was Master of Ceremony for the fourth straight year.
“Bonus Time,” a program produced by
Getty Museum curator Zhenya Gershman,
featured 4 brain cancer patients who have
enriched their lives and took advantage of
their “bonus time” since being diagnosed
with the disease. Each featured patient was
honored for their strong will to overcome the
obstacles they face. Their stories of acceptance and triumph were illuminated through
a presentation of artistry, combining a slide
Art of the Brain Executive Board, from L-R: Marlene Capell Co-Director; Roy
Kaufman; Dr. Tim Cloughesy, President; Judi Kaufman, Founder and Director
of Art of the Brain
show of photos emanating emotions, accompanied by ethereal music and narrations of their experiences in
their own words through the voices of Charles Coffman and actress Rene Russo.
The Johnny Mercer Foundation Research Award was also presented during the program. This award recognizes dedicated researchers who have made an impact in the progress of brain cancer research. This year, the
honor was bestowed upon Stanley Nelson, MD, Professor of Human Genetics at the UCLA David Geffen
School of Medicine. Dr. Nelson is a molecular geneticist who has developed technological approaches to identify genes involved
in complex human traits and has broadly
applied genomic tools to cancer biology. In
collaboration with outstanding scientists at
UCLA, he has dissected high-grade gliomas
to develop a molecularly based classification schemes that could provide leads to the
development of novel target therapeutics for
gliomas.
Dr. Stanley Nelson, Professor of Human Genetics at the UCLA David Geffen
School of Medicine receiving the 2006 Johnny Mercer Foundation Research
Award
Breakthroughs Magazine: Spotlighting New Discovery in Brain Cancer Research.
Also being honored for demonstrating an
outstanding commitment to brain cancer
research was Doris Haims. Mrs. Haims
was awarded the Judith Kaufman Founder’s
Responsibility Award. Judith Kaufman said,
“Doris Haims has been with Art of the Brain
since we began discussing the Foundation in early 1999. She is willing to take on any and all jobs and extra
responsibility.” She has been a dedicated Art of the Brain volunteer since the organization’s inception in
2000. She has been heavily involved with each year’s fundraising gala and partnership events, helping to
successfully raise much needed funding for research.
In addition to the featured program and presentations, attendees were treated to a culinary
concoction of some of Los Angeles’ best restaurants at a reception, including continued supporters Bonny Doon Vineyard, Buddha’s Belly,
Compartes Chocolatiers, Dandy Don’s Ice
Cream, Elixir G – Gingerita, Johnny Rockets,
Kate Mantilini and Peet’s Coffee. Also contributing to the feast was Big Screen Cuisine, Earth
Wind and Flour, and Mr. Cecil’s BBQ.
Art of the Brain is a volunteer-supported nonprofit organization registered under the auspices
of the UCLA Foundation. Since 2000, Art of
Dr. Tim Cloughesy & Actor: Wilmer Valderrama share a laugh before the
the Brain has raised more than $1.8 million
start of the 2006 Art of the Brain Gala.
through its annual galas, raffles and partnership
events. The 2006 benefit raised a gross total of $371,850, with expenses totaling 66,832 (17.9%), bringing
a net proceeds of $305,018.
Since 2000, Art of the Brain has provided funding for the training of several physician scientists who have
developed projects aimed at eradicating brain cancer. More than 20 clinical trials have also benefited from
this support.
The 2006 annual gala would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Art of the Brain would like to express their
gratitude to the following supporters:
Life Sponsors: The Johnny Mercer Foundation
Richard Dean Anderson
Bonus Time Sponsors: City National Bank, Judi and Roy Kaufman
Courage Sponsors: Cindy Atkinson, Gang Tyre Ramer & Brown,
Greenberg Traurig, Ann Ramer
Actress: Marcia Cross of ABC television’s
Desperate Housewives, lends her support by
appearing at the 2006 Art of the Brain Gala
Gratitude Sponsors: Howard Bernstein, Marlene & David Capell,
Carsey Family Foundation, Joan & Gerald Doren, Mr. & Mrs. Clint
Eastwood, Angelica & Howard Flagg, Florence & Bernard B. Roth
Family Foundation, The Green-Rooney Family, Karen & George
Grengs, Hale Thornhill Foundation, Head to Hollywood – H2H,
Virginia & Bob Newhart, Shamrock Holdings, Dana & Andrew Shore,
Arlene Spiegelman, Syndicated Real Estate Investments, Jadi & Gy
Waldron.
For more information or to make a contribution to Art of the Brain,
please call (310) 825-5074.
Photos: Amy Tierney © Lee Salem Photography Inc.
March 2007
New online tool correlates gene expression
levels with patient survival
Genomic analysis is a powerful new tool permitting unprecedented insights into how brain tumors form and
has been enabled primarily through microarray technology. ProbeSetAnalyzer.com, a new web based tool, is
aiming to help clinicians and researchers take the massive amount of data created by microarrays and better
visualize gene expression levels and how they relate to the overall survival of brain cancer patients.
The free tool allows anyone to enter a gene description term or probe set id and instantly see if the gene they
are looking for is a predictor of survival. With over 22,000 probe sets available on 164 patients, there is a
tremendous amount of data available to all willing to ask questions. This service is primarily intended to allow brain cancer researchers to identify genes of interest
for further study.
The tool was a collaborative effort between Dr. Timothy Cloughesy, UCLA Neuro-Oncology, Dr. Stanley
F. Nelson, UCLA Department of Human Genetics and
Michael Quinn, product developer of SiliconMED.
Unique to the Probeset Analyzer is the ability to quickly
compare multiple probes normally sharing the same gene
description term, the integration of a statistical engine to
calculate p-values based on Kaplan-Meier curves, and the
ability to quickly screen results based on “Newly Diagnosed” or “Recurrent” tumor and/or by pathological
diagnosis.
“In reality there are over 1600 variables the probe set
analyzer could screen against. In this initial release, we
tried to keep the interface as simple as possible,” said
Michael Quinn.
Probesetanalyzer.com allows anyone the ability to coorelate gene
expression levels with overall patient survival.
The current set of array and survival data comes from consented patients treated by UCLA’s Neuro-Oncology program. Array creation and normalization of gene expression data were performed by the Stanley F.
Nelson Laboratory at UCLA. The current array contained tissue samples identified as “Newly” diagnosed
or “Recurrent” primary Brain Tumor and samples were further categorized by Pathologic Diagnosis. 79.9%
of the current samples had a diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), followed by Anaplastic Astrocytoma (AA) 6.7% , Anaplastic Mixed Glioma (AMG) 6.7% and Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma (AO)
6.7%. “We are delighted to organize and provide these data back to the research community for the benefit
of all cancer patients”, said Dr. Stanley F. Nelson, a human genetic researcher leading the genomic analysis
of brain cancers. “ Genomic experiments are expensive to perform. Even though the results are published,
there is still substantial additional information that can only be unearthed through expert mining which this
system greatly facilitates. We hope that this facilitates specific exploration of individual genes.”
“As a part of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology’s commitment to accelerate the process of new discovery through
translational research projects, we decided we wanted to begin to share what we know about these samples
in hope to stimulate feedback from the community,” said Dr, Timothy Cloughesy, director of the UCLA
Neuro-Oncology Program. “We feel our translation research information system is leading the way. We
currently have over 3000 consented patients in our system with detailed clinical information. 2100 of those
patients have uncompressed DICOM imaging instantly available and 1600 of those patients have tissue
resources available in our tissue bank ready for researchers who have legitimate research questions. It is truly
a rich resource available to those willing to focus on curing this disease. “
Breakthroughs Magazine: Spotlighting New Discovery in Brain Cancer Research.
Multi-modality imaging & inter-operative MRI
yields powerful neuro-surgical approach
Surgery for primary and metastatic tumors of the brain can be a complicated process when the tumor lies
dangerously close to critical functions of the brain. To ensure the best change for a Gross Total Resection
(95%-100%) the UCLA Brain Tumor Program uses an integrated imaging approach in preparation for a
Tumor resection. These image modalities include positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), image registration and traditional
“with and without contrast” MR imaging.
When planning the surgical approach to a tumor resection, these
various imaging modalities can identify the most active portions
of tumors, as well as the location of critical brain structures that
must not be harmed.
Functional MRI (fMRI) images can detect critical language and
motor areas of the brain that are sometimes displaced by growing tumors. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) shows the course
of white matter tracts in relation to tumors and other lesions. If
a critical white matter tract is injured during surgery, paralysis
can result. At UCLA Medical Center, the Sonata iMR scanner
is capable of intraoperative DTI images to ensure these eloquent
regions are spared during surgery.
Positron emission tomography (PET) shows certain biological
properties of brain tumors, including which regions are multiplying rapidly. MRI Spectroscopy (SPECT) detects the levels
of certain chemicals in the brain. This information helps the
Neuro-Surgeon distinguish tumors from strokes, thereby avoiding potentially unnecessary surgery.
In addition to extensive pre-op imaging, UCLA uses the BrainLab® neuronavigational system in the operating suite. Neuronavigation is a technology that enables the surgeon to locate and
track an object precisely in space. The exact location of surgical
instruments can be tracked simultaneously on the MRI scan
and displayed on a screen in the operating room. This allows the
surgeon to identify the boundaries of the tumor prior to making
an incision. UCLA neurosurgeons are also able to import fused
(overlapping) image sets from various imaging modalities (such
as PET, fMRI, DTI), into the this intraoperative system.
By leveraging these advances in neurological imaging and surgical procedures, the Neuro-Surgical team is able to accurately
determine where crucial motor and speech skills exists within the
brain and ensure the tissue being removed is indeed tumor.
Neuro-surgeons utilizing the BrainLab® neuronavigational system in the iMR suite. Using BrainLab®,
surgical instruments can be tracked simultaneous on
the MRI scan and displayed on a screen in the operating room.
UCLA Medical Center ranks as one of the top five American hospitals-and the
best hospital in the western United States for the 17th consecutive year-according
to a U.S. News & World Report
Photos: UCLA Neuro-Surgery
March 2007
7th Annual Brain Tumor Conference
March 23rd & March 24th, 2007
Presented By:
University of California, Los Angeles; Neuro-Oncology
registration deadline
online: march 19, 2007
mail-in: march 16, 2007
see page 5 for details
Sponsored By:
710 westwood plaza suite 1-230 rnrc
los angeles, ca 90095-1769
phone: 310.825.5321
fax: 310.825.0644
www.neurooncology.ucla.edu
email:neuroonc@ucla.edu
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