Annual International Brain Tumor Symposium

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.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

• Describe recent advancements in the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors, including molecular profiling, neuroimaging modalities, and updates to WHO CNS tumor taxonomy.
• Select and apply evidence-based surgical and radiation strategies—such as connectome-based surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and proton therapy—tailored to tumor type, location, and patient factors.
• Differentiate treatment approaches for pediatric versus adult patients, incorporating global best practices and addressing disparities in access and outcomes.
• 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.
• Integrate neuropsychologic assessment and supportive care services into the comprehensive management of brain tumor patients to optimize functional outcomes and quality of life.
• Collaborate effectively across specialties—including oncology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropsychology, and integrative medicine—to enhance care coordination and patient-centered outcomes.
• Apply shared decision-making frameworks and survivorship planning to address long-term cognitive, neurologic, and psychosocial challenges associated with brain tumor treatment.

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

Accreditation

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 that live activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

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. 

Faculty Disclosure: 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.

Method of Participation

In order to meet the learning objectives and receive continuing education credit, participants are expected to register for the activity, check in at the registration desk, attend the program, and complete the online evaluation at the conclusion of the activity. A CE certificate will be emailed to participants upon
completion of the online evaluation.

Credits

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

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

Registration Fees                             

RBHS/RWJBarnabas Faculty/Staff ------------------------- Free
Healthcare Provider --------------------------------------------- Free
Resident/Fellow in Training/Healthcare Student* ---- Free
Registration with CME ----------------------------------------- $80

*Registration must be accompanied by program director’s letter confirming resident/fellow/student status. Please upload your letter when registering or email it to ccoe@rbhs.rutgers.edu.

Registrants may be asked to furnish documentation confirming their employment status in order to be eligible for a reduced rate. If it is determined that a registrant does not meet the eligibility criteria, the registrant will be required to pay the necessary tuition fee.

Registration fee included continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch, continuing education credits and course materials. Registration for the symposium can only be accepted through our secure online website until September 23, 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.

Pre-registration is recommended. On-site registration will be accommodated on a space available basis.

To Register Visit:  rutgers.cloud-cme.com/RCIBrainTumor

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 ccoe@rbhs.rutgers.edu.

The 1st Annual International Brain Tumor Symposium will be held at Rutgers Cancer Institute.

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ

Available Parking Decks:

• RWJUH (Main Entrance):
  •  Located at the main entrance of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick.
• RWJUH (East Tower):
  • It requires walking outside and up a set of stairs to enter the East Tower.
• Plum Street Parking Deck:
  • Located on Plum Street between Somerset and French Streets.
  • Open 24/7.
  • A 6-minute walk to the main entrance of Rutgers Cancer Institute.
• Paterson Street Parking Deck:
  • Located on Paterson Street between Joyce Kilmer Ave and Scott St.
  • Open 24/7.
  • An 8-minute walk to the main entrance of Rutgers Cancer Institute. 

Additional Parking Information:

• The Cancer Institute's East Tower is also accessible via self-parking at the RWJUH parking deck across from 195 Little Albany Street. 
• The New Brunswick Parking Authority offers other parking options, including the Gateway Garage, which is about a block away from the Cancer Institute.