Course directors 

• Sarah Jefferies, Clinical Oncologist, Addenbrooke’s Hospital - Oncology Centre, Cambridge (UK) 
• Gianfranco Pesce, Clinical Oncologist, Radiation Oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale S.Giovanni, Bellinzona (CH)

Teachers 

• Ranj Bhangoo, Neurosurgeon, Kings College Hospital, London (UK)
• Anthony Chalmers, Clinical Oncologist, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow (UK) 
• Tilak Das, Consultant Neuroradiologist, Addenbrooke’s Hospital - Oncology Centre, Cambridge (UK) 
• Darren Hargrave, Paediatric Oncologist, Neuro-oncology and Experimental Therapeutics Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London (UK)
• Kathreena M Kurian, Neuropathologist, Neuropathology, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol (UK)
• Patrick Roth, Medical Neurologist, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich (CH)  

  Guest lecturer

• Tom Boterberg, Radiation Oncologist, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent (BE)

The course aims to review the present state-of-the-art of neuro-oncology from its biological understanding to the implementation of high-tech radiotherapy approaches, modern biologically driven therapy and care. It will not only cover the commonest of brain tumours, but will also review the latest developments in the less common tumours in adults and children.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course participants should be able to:

•      Understand the evolving concepts of brain tumour biology
•      Interpret more complex brain imaging for the purpose of therapy
•      Make judgements regarding multidisciplinary management of tumours including the role                 of systematic and targeted therapies in both common and rare brain tumours in adults and             children
•      Understand the principles and practice of modern radiotherapy
•      Understand the design and challenges of brain tumour clinical trials.

Course content

Neuro-oncology is generally equated with the management of malignant gliomas, yet it is the speciality with perhaps the largest range of tumour types from curable to barely treatable. It has been at the forefront of technical developments in radiotherapy with early implementation of the latest imaging and high precision localised radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiotherapy and proton therapy. Neurosurgery has also developed in leaps and bounds so that previously inaccessible locations can now be safely reached. Local treatment relies on accurate imaging, and this is the cornerstone of neuro-oncology practice.

Alongside local treatment approaches, systemic treatment has become mainstay of management of many tumours in adults and children and targeted personalised therapy approaches are becoming a reality. The need for developing and testing new therapies in this challenging clinical setting requires the involvement of neuro-oncology specialists in clinical trials and the issues specific to brain tumour trial design are of importance to the future of the speciality.

Anyone involved in neuro-oncology is aware of the challenges in treating the brain and the short- and long-term consequences for the patient and their careers, and that attention to care is an integral part of neuro-oncology.

Prerequisites

         Before commencing this course, you should have some:

• ·        Experience of brain tumour management
• ·        Understanding of conventional brain radiotherapy issues.

Available here.

Membership

ESTRO members can order products at substantially reduced prices. To benefit from the member registration rate, you must subscribe for the ESTRO membership 2024 BEFORE registering to the course. To become an ESTRO member, benefit from the member registration rate and discover the many other member advantages, please visit the membership page.

Fees

Reduced fees

Members from emerging countries may register at a preferential rate of 175 Euro. Emerging country fee applies to individuals from low-income and lower-middle-income economies according to the World Bank listing here. Please send a mail to education@estro.org to request this rate.

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Cancellation

Cancellation is NOT possible after payment.