About Meningiomas This year, approximately 13,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a meningioma, the most common type of all primary brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Despite the fact that current estimates suggest more than 150,000 Americans are living with a meningioma or have been treated for a meningioma, there is little public awareness of and little medical community focus on this tumor type. Many misconceptions surround meningiomas, especially because most (90%) are classified as “benign” tumors. Unlike benign tumors elsewhere in the body, benign tumors in the central nervous system can cause significant permanent disabilities and can be life-threatening. As it is not possible to predict or prevent recurrent growth, most meningioma survivors must monitor their status for life.
The meningioma incidence statistics quoted above are almost certainly under-reported. Until the passage of The Brain Tumor Cancer Registries Amendment Act (H.R. 5204) by the United States Congress, most states did not require physicians to report the incidence of noncancerous primary brain tumors to state or federal registries. As of Jan.1, 2004, this legislation mandates that federal cancer data-collection processes include data on benign brain tumors. The new data collected will begin to be available in 2007.
About The Meningioma Project The Meningioma Project was created by the Brain Science Foundation to actively fill the void in meningioma awareness and knowledge in the medical community and beyond by:
Promoting innovative thinking, new technology and increased collaboration
Raising funds for research specifically targeting meningiomas
Sharing state-of-the-art information widely with scientists, doctors, patients, advocates and donors
Building partnerships to help patients and survivors live longer, fuller lives
About The Meningioma Center of Excellence The major manifestation of The Meningioma Project to date is The Meningioma Center of Excellence at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. The Center began as a concept to bring brain tumor and other neurosurgical patients the ideal patient experience through a state-of-the-art outpatient facility. The Center quickly grew to encompass more than the Neurosurgical Outpatient Care Facility and the Brain Science Foundation Resource Center. Today, The Meningioma Center of Excellence is a recognized area of expertise and accomplishment within the Brigham and Women’s Hospital along with other BWH research centers. As a multi-disciplinary, translational center, The Meningioma Center of Excellence draws together an internationally known group of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists and researchers to focus on meningiomas. The Meningioma Center of Excellence encompasses cutting-edge work in the following key areas:
Clinical practice
Research
Teaching/training
Patience care
Outreach, communication and awareness
The Meningioma Center of Excellence has embraced an exciting research agenda that will open up new pathways to understanding meningiomas. Projects designed to discover the molecular biology of these tumors, to examine the epidemiology of meningiomas and to explore new treatment options are already underway. The Center is equally committed to creating and disseminating accurate information about meningiomas to patients, families and medical professionals.
The Meningioma Center of Excellence continues to grow and evolve. The Brain Science Foundation and Brigham and Women's Hospital are currently working on a business plan to expand the profile of The Center at the Brigham and beyond by launching an expanded International Meningioma Center of Excellence. More details about this exciting next phase of The Center will be provided shortly, and the launch of the International Center of Excellence is expected by the beginning of 2007.
I had never even heard of a meningioma before I joined the Brain Science Foundation as its Executive Director a year ago. Now I know that meningiomas are the most common of all primary brain tumors. Go to the blog.
