National Brain Tumor Foundation Unites with BrainLAB in Support of Patient...( Leading physicians come together o...),Health

Leading physicians come together on West Coast for a free educational

program for brain tumor patients and their families

SAN DIEGO, CA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ - More than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor each year(x). As the need for more effective treatment increases, so does research into improving treatment technology. Today, the National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF) partnered with BrainLAB and other medical leaders in the field of brain tumor treatment for the second time this year, to discuss the latest treatment options available and provide patients with the information they need to make the right choices with their physicians. The first-ever NBTF/BrainLAB patient education program was held in Washington, DC, in April 2007.

"Providing information and support to brain tumor patients has been an important part of our mission throughout our 26-year history. We work to raise awareness around advances in treatment and provide critical information about treatment options to patients and families," said Bob Rybicki, MA, M.Div, Executive Director, NBTF. "Empowering patients through education helps them gain a better understanding of their disease, so they can take an active role in their treatment."

Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in males aged 20-29 and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in females aged 20-39(x). With the evolution of radiosurgery, chemotherapy, convection enhanced drug delivery and traditional surgical methods, brain tumor patients need to better understand all treatment options available to them so they can make informed decisions.

This free educational program "Advanced Treatment Options for Brain Tumors: Radiosurgery and the Latest Technologies," which took place today at the Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel, was developed for brain tumor patients and their families and designed to shed light on existing treatment
'/>"/>