Approaching a Decade of Driving Innovation in the Neurosciences through Research Funding Dear BSF Community, As 2011 comes to a close, we look back on another successful year of funding innovation in the neurosciences. Additionally, as the foundation approaches our ten-year anniversary, we reflect on a decade of progress driving cutting-edge research for Meningiomas and other primary brain tumors. Some highlights in advancing brain science research, in supporting patients and caregivers, and in clinician development over the past decade include: We have funded and committed more than $12 million toward research and patient support. BSF-supported investigators have been able to garner more than $40 million in additional support as a result of BSF’s seed funding. We now support the largest portfolio of research to date, with nine projects awarded in 2012, along with the continuation of four projects from 2011. Dr. Nathalie Agar received Director’s New Innovator’s Award from the National Institutes of Health for her BSF project. We organized Meningioma Awareness Day, the first and only patientfocused event concerning Meningiomas in the world. We also organized Pituitary Day, the only such event in the New England region. Co-sponsored by the BSF and Brigham & Women’s Hospital, The Master Class in Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Surgery provided nearly 30 neurosurgeons from around the world the opportunity to learn specialized techniques using the most up-to-date technology in removing pituitary tumors. In partnership with Embolden Design, we launched a new modernized website to better communicate with the BSF community and educate those needing information on primary brain tumors. November 2011 - Newsletter What’s Inside: Reflections on 2011 New Investigator Spotlight: Dr. Priscilla Brastianos 2012 Research Projects Tee it Up for Brain Tumor Research Golf & Tennis Classic Master Class in Endoscopic Anterior Skull Based Surgery Educational Events Pituitary Day Meningioma Awareness Day We are proud of our accomplishments, fiscal discipline, and efficient stewardship of the contributions of our supporters as we embrace our proven funding model in support of a very talented pool of researchers. Partnership Highlight: Daniel E. Ponton Fund for the Neurosciences We are grateful for the continued generosity of so many supporters, donors, and volunteers. I invite all who see the value in our mission and are like-minded in their desire to advance medical research for tumors and cancers of the brain to join us. Our Generous Supporters Looking Ahead How You Can Help Sincerely, Steven Haley, Founder The Brain Science Foundation works to find a cure for primary brain tumors by advancing the understanding of brain function and patient care. The foundation supports cutting edge research in multiple areas, from developing and testing new treatments, epidemiological studies, improvements in patient care, and basic research. 2 New Investigator Spotlight: Priscilla Brastianos, MD Dr. Priscilla Brastianos is one of the newest investigators to be awarded BSF funding. Her research focuses on understanding what causes cancer to spread to the central nervous system, one of the leading causes of cancer death. Her current work focuses on the genomes of metastasized tumors in the brain. Working very closely with Dr. Rameen Beroukhim (another recipient of BSF funding) and others at the Broad Institute, Dr. Brastianos is using cutting-edge sequencing technology to understand the genetic alterations in metastatic disease. Her hope is that they will identify new therapeutic targets to treat this devastating complication of cancer. A graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Brastianos is Fellow in Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. During a recent address as a BSF guest, she noted that her mother’s experience with this very cancer inspires her to advance the knowledge concerning cancer metastasis. Read about Dr. Brastianos’s BSF project on page 4. Announcing the 2012 Research Projects In October 2011, BSF awarded nine researchers with funding to explore causes, treatment, and understanding of brain tumors. Grants awarded, each supporting two years of research, represent an exciting array of investigations into primary brain tumors. The BSF has in place a funding model that ensures only the most promising and mission-aligned research is funded. With some of the most incredible minds in the field, our Scientific Advisory Committee provides guidance, scientific expertise, and vision that enables us to seed promising research to bring about tomorrow’s innovations. Our operational procedures ensure we remain cost conscious so precious resources are not wasted. In addition, our founders’ support allows us to ensure that all donations go directly to supporting targeted research projects. Genomic Characterization of Pituitary Tumors “My mother’s current struggle with metastatic breast cancer is a frequent reminder of the limited treatment options in this disease entity. Every time her cancer spreads to another location in her body, my drive to find new treatments strengthens.” —Dr. Brastianos, discussing her motivations Ian Dunn, MD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Dr. Ian Dunn is a young faculty member in the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital who is being cultivated for an academic career and has a great initial track record. His early successes have made him very well regarded within the Department. His senior collaborator and mentor, Dr. Edward Laws, is among the world’s leading authorities on pituitary tumors. Dr. Dunn will decode the genes of pituitary tumors in collaboration with the Broad Institute to accomplish this work. This investigation has never been undertaken in a comprehensive way and any new information that catalogs the mutations in pituitary tumors would be welcomed by the scientific community and would provide a solid basis for future studies. Novel Use of Neural Stem Cells for the Targeted Treatment of Spinal Cord Gliomas Alexander E. Ropper, MD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Dr. Alexander Ropper is the only resident trainee currently receiving BSF funding. He works in a highly recognized laboratory with Dr. Teng at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and the West Roxbury Veterans Administration Hospital, a laboratory known for spinal cord research. His project addresses spinal cord glioma, a tumor virtually unstudied by the scientific community. The incidence of these tumors has increased in the last two decades and there is no effective treatment—removing the tumor invariably leaves a patient disabled. This project aims to engineer stems cells to deliver a highly potent chemotherapy only where needed, with the goal of shrinking the tumor while greatly minimizing overall toxicity of treatments. Analysis of microRNA Determinants of Survival in Glioblastoma Anna Krichevsky, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Dr. Krichevsky’s project takes advantage of the role of recently discovered microRNAs (for which the Nobel Prize was recently awarded). These molecules control many processes in cells. The project takes a “top down” approach to find the most effective microRNA targets for the treatment of glioblastoma, including controlling the growth and invasiveness of the tumors. Genes for Radiation Associated Meningioma Elizabeth Claus, MD, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Yale University Dr. Elizabeth Claus is a well-known and established investigator who has contributed greatly to the BSF mission. In this project, she extends her past investigations by looking at the genes contributing to the development of Meningiomas after exposure to radiation. Over the next two years, they will compare variants in genes thought to repair DNA damage in two groups: persons with Meningiomas who were previously exposed to ionizing radiation, and persons with similar exposure but who have not developed Meningiomas. If successful, findings could be used to identify persons for whom radiation therapy may be associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Investigating Meningioma Recurrence with the Comprehensive Resources of the Nurses’ Health Study 3 Sandro Santanagata, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute The Nurses’ Health Study is a widely recognized, ongoing epidemiologic project that was initiated at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in 1976. At that time, over 121,000 registered nurses, all women between the ages of 30 and 55, were recruited. In 1989, a second phase with approximately the same number of nurses was enrolled. More than 600 of these nurses have developed Meningiomas. This project will collect tumor tissues from these cases and examine the links to the extensive epidemiological and biological data available. The project focuses on Meningioma biology through the use of a very large set of patients, giving it tremendous potential. Elucidation and Small Molecule Inhibition of Sluginduced Invasion and Metastases in Glioblastoma and Other Cancers Mark Johnson, MD, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Dr. Mark Johnson is an established member of the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and an expert on brain tumors. This project explores “transcription factors,” signaling proteins within the cell that turn both genes and proteins on and off and contribute to cancer growth. Specifically, Dr. Johnson has identified a cell regulator that is highly expressed in glioblastomas and has been shown to participate in continued tumor growth. This work represents a new strategy to decrease the invasion of glioblastoma to adjacent parts of the brain. Dr. Claus and members of her team. 4 Development of a Natural Viewing Paradigm for fMRI Language Mapping for Brain Tumor Surgery Planning Yanmei Tie, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Preventing injury to language areas during tumor resection is especially important as damage can lead to lifelong language deficits known as aphasia. Mapping out the language function areas in individual patients poses a challenge due to the high complexity and variability of the brain language network location from patient to patient. To overcome this limitation, Dr. Tie aims to develop a novel imaging protocol for mapping individual patient’s language areas. This protocol is less demanding than traditional approaches that require active patient participation, allowing language mapping for more patients, especially those who cannot perform traditional language tasks. This project has the potential to provide a comprehensive map of the complex language network, reducing the time and cost of pre-surgical planning. Identifying Drivers of Brain Metastases Priscilla Brastianos, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute This project focuses on what makes tumors spread or metastasize to the brain. Dr. Brastianos hypothesizes that breast cancer cells, and likely other tumors, undergo several genetic alterations while they are multiplying that allow tumor cells to spread and implant in the brain. Dr. Brastianos has already developed methods to sequence the genes of metastatic tumors and compare them to tumors that have not metastasized. She is looking specifically for mutations in genes that occur as a result of the rapid multiplication of cancer cells. This project represents an understudied area, even though metastatic disease accounts for almost 90% of cancer deaths. If the genetic changes leading to metastases could be understood, patients would survive longer. The Role of microRNAs Monocyte-Mediated Glioma Pathogenesis Galina Gabriely, PhD, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Inflammation occurs immediately adjacent to brain tumors, and the main cell in this inflammatory response is the monocyte, a type of white blood cell. Dr. Gabriely will study microRNA profiles in the monocytes surrounding tumors. She plans to produce an experimental treatment by changing the microRNA in these inflammatory cells. This work represents a very original extension of the idea of targeted therapy for brain tumors. The proposal team seeks to take advantage of the fact that these monocytes are attracted to glioma cells and that the functioning of monocytes can be manipulated through microRNA. Dr. Alexandra Golby giving a demonstration of the new AMIGO suite. Dr. Golby is a mentor for Dr. Tie, a new BSF investigator. More detailed descriptions of these projects and full bios of the principal investigators can be found on the BSF website (www.brainsciencefoundation.org). 5 Tee It Up for Brain Tumor Research—Third Annual BSF Golf & Tennis Classic! On October 3rd, the Brain Science Foundation gathered with more than 150 supporters for the Tee It Up for Brain Tumor Research Golf and Tennis Classic. Participants were welcomed with fantastic sunny weather, the rare treat of playing during the harvesting of cranberries around the bog, and a moving testimonial from new grant recipient, Dr. Priscilla Brastianos. Before the players set off, a casual lunch, generously sponsored by Ellen Hurvitz & Barry Strasnick, allowed participants to visit together and enjoy the pleasant day. Following a great day on the course with numerous putting, driving, and holein-one competitions, as well as an exciting tennis tournament, participants were treated to a cocktail reception and dinner sponsored by the Lagasse Group. Top sponsors for the event include Ocean Spray Cranberries, Suffolk Construction’s Red & Blue Foundation, EFG International, and the Kessler Family Foundation. The Brain Science Foundation is grateful to all the sponsors, participants, volunteers, and donors to the auction for the incredible support! Their contributions are sure to help make the coming year one of the most impactful in the Foundation’s history. “From the contests to the amazing course and wonderful evening event, it was so great to be a part of this day and support this cause!” “A great big ‘thank you’ from Keith and me for asking us to participate in your Brain Science Golf & Tennis Classic. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time.” 6 BSF Partners with World-Renowned Neurosurgeon to Sponsor the Master Class in Endoscopic Anterior Skull Based Surgery On March 9–10, the Brain Science Foundation co-sponsored The Master Class in Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Surgery with Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Led by world-renowned pituitary expert and longtime BSF collaborator Dr. Edward R. Laws, Jr., MD, FACS, the course provides the opportunity for surgeons to learn the endoscopic techniques that he and his team at Brigham & Women’s Hospital use to treat pituitary tumors. The course features live operations simulcast from the operating room to the lecture hall, including 3-D and endoscopic displays. Attendees have the opportunity to interact with the surgeons in the operating room throughout the case. One participant, a neurosurgeon from the Boston area, had this to say about the program: “The recent Master’s course was terrific. Best clinical educational session I have experienced.” The BSF is proud to be a part of clinician-focused events that provide immediate benefit to patients around the world. A second Master Class will be held from December 1–2, 2011. The Master Class lecture hall is equipped with live video feed from the operating room, including 3-D and endoscopic displays. “Again, can’t thank you enough for getting me plugged into this course, and for the terrific reception you and your colleagues gave me. My patients will benefit from what I learned.” Register Now! Pituitary Day 2012 — March 24 Register now for the BSF’s second Pituitary Day, cohosted with Brigham & Women’s Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery. This all-day conference unites patients, caregivers, family, and friends with leading clinicians, researchers, nurses, and other experts to discuss the latest in pituitary diagnosis and treatment. By way of a series of presentations and panel discussions, we will discuss basic and new information related to pituitary disorders, including physical and psychological aspects, and other important patient issues. Following the last Pituitary Day held in November 2010, a patient from New York told us: “Thank you sincerely! I can’t put into words how helpful it was to learn from the pros in a lay person’s terms. The passion of all the doctors shined through.” Pituitary Day is scheduled for March 24, 2012 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. For registration information, visit the BSF website (www.brainsciencefoundation.org) or call us at 781-239-2903. 7 Educational Events in 2011 Throughout the year, we offer a number of educational opportunities for patients, their families, and other interested members of the BSF community. Participants learn about the latest advancements in research related to primary brain tumors in an accessible and supportive setting. The BSF Lecture Series runs throughout the year. In February, Dr. Elizabeth Claus detailed her ongoing epidemiologic work on the causes of Meningioma, both genetic and environmental. Through work supported by BSF, Dr. Claus revealed specific genetic links related to Meningiomas and also shared discoveries that have led to new areas of research. In June, Dr. Rameen Beroukhim spoke during another BSF Lecture Series about decoding the genome of Meningioma tumors and what this research could lead to. He also provided a fascinating glimpse into the work of the Broad Institute and how advances in DNA sequencing have opened up whole new worlds of research potential. Save the Date: Meningioma Awareness Day April 27–28, 2012 Meningioma Awareness Day brings together physicians and other health providers, researchers, Meningioma patients and their families for mutual learning about the latest research into the causes, detection, and treatment of the disease. This signature event provides information and strategies for coping with this potentially life-threatening primary brain tumor. According to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (www.cbtrus.org), Meningioma represent the most common type of primary brain tumor (34.4%), yet it is given considerably less attention than other diseases of the brain. A new element from the previous Meningioma Awareness Day, One-on-One: Your Questions Answered, will be held again on Friday evening. During a BSF event in April, Dr. Alexandra Golby presented details of the Advanced Multimodality Image Guided Operating (AMIGO) Suite. This multi-million dollar, world-class technology allows for CT scans, MRI, and PET to be made live during surgery. Dr. Golby, who has received more than $1 million in BSF funding over the years, developed this pioneering work as part of a broad partnership. In March, BSF partnered with the National Brain Tumor Society to host a free webinar program on Meningioma tumors. Designed for patients, caregivers, and health professionals, participants learned about the latest treatment and research updates from leading brain tumor experts, and join an online Q&A session. Partnership Highlight: the Daniel E. Ponton Fund for the Neurosciences We are very excited to acknowledge the Daniel E. Ponton Fund for the Neurosciences for their support for the 2012 project cycle. The fund will be sponsoring the majority of the costs for the two projects led by Dr. Mark Johnson and Dr. Alexander Ropper (see their project summaries on page 3 for more information). It is only through critical and strategic partnerships like this that the BSF community is able to broaden its reach so far. An Approach Based on Results As of 2010, the Brain Science Foundation has funded well over $10m toward research, education, and patient support, which has resulted in nearly $30m in research funding grants from other sources. A f ew of BSF’s recent highlights include: Looking Ahead  Meningioma Awareness Day (MAD), the Brain Science  Principal Investigator, Elizabeth Claus, .D., Ph.D., to has MVolunteer help with a BSF event How You Can Help Our Cause ssor and Director of Medical Foundation’s signature program, annually attracts n early blic Health, Attending Neurosurgeon 300 people from around the world to hear about cutting ain Science Foundation Principal As BSF looks forward to the next decade of advancements in meningioma y, M.D., Director, Brigham and edge research d iagnosis, Contribute to the BSF Annual Fundtoday—your t a t the 2010 M eningioma operations, our goal is to fundtreatment, additional and therapy as well as quality o f l ife and will go directly to our mission contribution n created and sponsored this event related worthy research expand our issues. ance to learn about their disease, initiatives andhealth Host an event ns of e xperts in the field. patient and caregiver events. successful As part of our renewed commitment toseparate grants totaling $15MM from the received two Sponsor or underwrite an event expanding our capacity, two new staff ch National Institute of Health to continue her intense study Follow our news by signing up for our email list on Meningioma and h er members have joined Sarah Donnelly, our Epidemiology. Dr. Claus ands apart by focusing its through our website colleagues c onfirm t hat t his f unding w ould not have been Manager of Programs and Operations. our knowledge of primary Attend educational event or lecture if it were not for the financial support oan f the Please and welcome Michaelpossible Paydos, rove t reatments, in Become Frontrunner foundation throughout her preliminary study. Dr. aCBSF laus’s Communications developed and monitors a and Outreach Manager, work aids in the future understanding of why certain t p rogram that Beth includes basic, and O’Hara-Miklavic, Director of Please us to find genetic foundations of families are more call prevalent to out how you can support the ongoing earch. Supported r esearch Development and Engagement.meningiomas and could lead to pwork of the revention or eBrain arly Science Foundation at 781-239-2903. ds, t reatments, and ality of patient care by: welcome opportunity to speak with you! detection to minimize the effects We of these brain the tumors.  Principal Investigator Alexandra Golby, M.D., is recognized as a pioneer in her field with the development of a one-‐of-‐ a-‐kind Advanced Multimodality Image Guided Operating (AMIGO) Suite. The momentum of Dr. Golby’s science intensified due to the foresight of the Brain Science Foundation in funding of h er research. When put into practice, the AMIGO enables intraoperative real-‐time anatomical imaging modalities like x-‐ray and u ltrasound, combined with cross sectional digital imaging systems like CT, MRI, and PET, during surgery. The BSF would like to extend its gratitude to the following rom research to p ractice; sponsors of 2011: t of new knowledge about the mors, especially m eningiomas; ient care from early gical t reatment. portfolio approach to building designed to create depth and jects to leverage change. rain Science Foundation, please v isit our website o r Brain Science Foundation 148 Linden Street, Suite 303 | Wellesley, MA 02482 ws the Brain Science Foundation to expand and to continue Tel: 781-239-2903 t care and u ltimately a cure for meningioma. Donations can [email protected] or you can call for other options. org Find us online! www.brainsciencefoundation.org