First Inaugural International Brain Tumor Symposium: Innovations in Neuro-Oncology: Multidisciplinary Advances in Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors in Pediatric and Adult Populations

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 7:15 AM - 4:30 PM, Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Brunswick, NJ

Primary and metastatic brain tumors remain some of the most complex and rapidly evolving conditions in oncology and neurosurgery. Clinicians across specialties face growing challenges in applying the latest evidence-based strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Many practitioners are unaware of critical gaps in practice, including underuse of molecular diagnostics, limited integration of functional preservation in surgery, inconsistent application of advanced radiation modalities, and under-addressed neurocognitive and quality-of-life outcomes especially in pediatric and global settings.

This dynamic, case-based activity will explore the current approaches and latest breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and interdisciplinary management of primary and metastatic brain tumors across the lifespan. This activity offers critical updates in cutting-edge surgical approaches and molecular diagnostics to precision radiotherapy and survivorship care.

This educational forum will bridge adult and pediatric neuro-oncology, equipping clinicians with practical tools to tailor treatment plans based on tumor biology, patient age, functional status, and global considerations. Special focus will be placed on connectome-guided surgery, advanced radiation modalities, and quality-of-life strategies that align with patient-centered care goals.

Target Audience
This activity is designed for medical and radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, pediatric oncologists, integrative medicine specialists, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals involved in brain tumor care.

Planning Committee
Nicholas DeNunzio, MD, PhD
Anil Nanda, MD, MPH
Nehal Parikh, MD
Jonathan H. Sherman, MD
Morana Vojnic, MD, MBA

1. Describe recent advancements in the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors, including molecular profiling, neuroimaging modalities, and updates to WHO CNS tumor taxonomy.
2. Differentiate treatment approaches for pediatric versus adult patients, incorporating global best practices and addressing disparities in access and outcomes.
3. Evaluate the risks and benefits of emerging systemic therapies and targeted treatments for primary and metastatic brain tumors, particularly in recurrent or high-risk cases.
4. Integrate neuropsychologic assessment and supportive care services into the comprehensive management of brain tumor patients to optimize functional outcomes and quality of life.
5. Collaborate effectively across specialties—including oncology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropsychology, and integrative medicine—to enhance care coordination and patient-centered outcomes.
6. Apply shared decision-making frameworks and survivorship planning to address long-term cognitive, neurologic, and psychosocial challenges associated with brain tumor treatment.

Registration Fees

Registration - No CME Credit/Certificate: Complimentary

Registration - CME Credit/Certificate: $80

Pre-registration is required.

Registration for the symposium can only be accepted through our secure online website until September 22, 2025. Registration will not be confirmed until payment is received. If payment is not received in time for the activity, Rutgers reserves the right to cancel the registration.

Confirmation
Once registered, you will receive a registration confirmation email. As the activity date approaches, you will receive a program email with information to assist you with your plans to participate in this activity.

Cancellation/Refund
A full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee, will be granted if notice is received no later than September 24, 2025. Refunds will not be issued for any cancellation received after September 24, 2025 and cannot be given for no shows. To cancel, email your cancellation request to [email protected]
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Course Material
In an effort to provide the most complete materials to attendees and conserve resources, PDF versions of the lecture slides will be made available online to registered attendees. Additional information will be provided in future confirmation communications.

For any other questions, concerns, or if you require special arrangements to attend this activity, please contact CCOE by email at [email protected].

Rutgers Health reserves the right to modify program content, faculty and program activities. It also reserves the right to cancel the activity if necessary. If the activity is cancelled, liability is limited to the registration fee.

In support of improving patient care, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Associates and Nurses: ANCC and NCCPA accept certificates of participation for educational activities approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME.

Method of Participation
In order to meet the learning objectives and receive continuing education credit, participants are expected to register for the activity, check/sign on the day of the activity, attend the program, and complete an online evaluation at the conclusion of the activity. A CE certificate will be emailed to participants upon completion of the online evaluation.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (6.25 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.25 hours)

In-Person Venue

Rutgers Cancer Institute
195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Information for directions, parking and other transportation means will be included in the program email.

Guest Faculty

Eric Bouffet, MD, HDR, Professor of Pediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Garron Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research, Head, Neuro-Oncology Section,  Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada

Rebecca M. Brown, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Director, UAB Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL

Hugues Duffau, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Montpellier University Medical Center; Head, INSERM 1191 Team, Institute of Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France

Douglas Kondziolka, MD, MSc, Gray Family Professor, Vice Chair, Clinical Research, Director, Center for Advanced Radiosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Professor of Radiation Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY

James T. Rutka, MD, PhD, Professor and Interim Chair, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Chief of Surgery, Director, Arthur and Sonia Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada

Arjun Saghal, MD, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada

Roger Stupp, MD, Paul C. Bucy Professor of Neurological Surgery, Professor of Neurological Surgery, Medicine (Hematology and Oncology) and Neurology (Neuro-oncology), Chief, Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, Co-Director, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL

Rutgers Health Faculty

Peter Cole, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Director of Hematology, Oncology and Cellular Therapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital; Embrace Kids Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Director, New Jersey Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute

Nicholas DeNunzio, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency Program, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Co-Director, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute

Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, Peter W. Carmel, MD, Endowed Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, Professor of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Nehal Parikh, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Program Director, Pediatric Developmental Therapeutics, Rutgers Cancer Institute

David Scarisbrick, PhD, Associate Professor and Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Jonathan H. Sherman, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Division Chief, Neurosurgical Oncology Rutgers Cancer Institute

Morana Vojnic, MD, MBA, Director, Neuro-Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute; System Leader, Neuro Oncology, RWJBarnabas Health

 

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

The relevant financial relationships of all individuals who affect the content of continuing education activities and any discussion of off-label/investigational uses will be disclosed to the audience at the time of the activity.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Provided by

Rutgers Health
Rutgers Cancer Institute

and

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Department of Neurosurgery

in collaboration with

RWJBarnabas Health


Supported in part by the New Jersey Pediatric Hematology Oncology Research Center for Excellence (NJ PHORCE)


Endorsed by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies