WELCOME TO BNOS 2021 ANNUAL MEETING – VIRTUAL

ORGANISED BY DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSURGERY, QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, BIRMINGHAM AND THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

This event ensures that all those working in neuro-oncology in the UK meet to learn, discuss and impart findings within a friendly and informative atmosphere.

The multidisciplinary role of BNOS is represented by plenary presentations, discussions, debates, sponsored symposia, oral presentations and posters covering a wide variety of topics which may range from stem cells and in-vitro models to classification and biomarkers, neuro-imaging and neurosurgical techniques, immuno-oncology, quality of life and indicators of patient performance.

THEME | Precision medicine and the future of neuro-oncology practice

PATIENT VARIABILITY | New approaches to clinical trials will be essential for future precision medicine. We will explore novel trial designs, clinical and radiological annotation of biological data and integration of trials and lab-based research. Combined, these will help identify ‘targeted’ treatments to improve survival and/or quality of life.

EMERGING TREATMENTS | Precision therapeutics, combining advanced pre-clinical models of brain cancer with novel trial methodologies, will be required to develop targeted treatments for individuals. Summarising current state-of-the-art in neurosurgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we will review how tumour microenvironment influences treatment response, and present emerging strategies from immune-oncology to engineering approaches and advanced diagnostics. We will showcase ongoing and emerging clinical trials, and debate the future of brain cancer research.

OPTIMISING OUTCOMES | Working with patient and carers focus groups, we are developing multi-disciplinary programmes to improve patient outcomes and experience. These include pre-habilitation, optimising mental and physical fitness before treatment, a survivor’s programme, helping patients cope with the disease and treatment, and a carer’s programme to help support those looking after brain cancer patients.