Jefferson Annual Brain Tumor Symposium: Contemporary Management of Brain and Spine Metastases

Join the Jefferson Department of Neurosurgery for this engaging, multidisciplinary educational program focused on the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic brain and spine tumors. This innovative activity brings together nationally recognized experts in neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, nursing, and supportive care to explore emerging therapies, evolving treatment strategies, and collaborative approaches that are transforming patient outcomes.

Through keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, breakout sessions, and an interactive multidisciplinary tumor board, participants will gain practical, evidence-based insights into contemporary management of CNS metastases, spine metastases, precision oncology, radiation strategies, supportive care, and translational research.

Designed for physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in neuro-oncology care, this symposium highlights Jefferson’s commitment to advancing excellence in patient-centered brain tumor care and fostering collaboration across specialties. Additionally, the symposium has been planned for the target audience in the following specialties: Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Orthopedics, with a disease focus in Central Nervous System (CNS) Metastases involving the Brain and Spine.

Keynote: Mark H. Bilsky, MD

Dr. Bilsky, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center specializing in the treatment of spine and spinal cord tumors. Since joining MSK in 1995, he has become a leader in spinal oncology, serving as Vice Chairman of Clinical Affairs in Neurosurgery and Chief of the Multidisciplinary Spine Tumor Service. Dr. Bilsky performs more than 150 spine tumor surgeries annually and is consistently recognized among Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors.

Keynote: Melissa Johnson, MD

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified medical oncologist at SCRI Oncology Partners and the director of lung cancer research at SCRI. After completing her medical education and training, Dr. Johnson spent four years as a faculty member at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and Feinberg School of Medicine, where she was also a founding member of the Northwestern Medical Developmental Therapeutics Institute. She is dedicated to advancing lung cancer research and works in early-phase cancer drug development, as well as solid tumor immune effector cellular therapy.

Successful Completion
To successfully complete this activity, the required evaluation must be completed no later than Friday, November 20, 2026. Thereafter, the evaluation will no longer be available and credits will not be issued. No refunds will be offered for failure to complete the required evaluation by the stated deadline.

1. Examine recent advancements and emerging research directions in the multidisciplinary management of brain and spine metastases.
2. Evaluate evolving systemic therapy strategies, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and clinical trial approaches, and their implications for patients with CNS metastatic disease.
3. Analyze contemporary applications of surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated radiation, spine stabilization, and separation surgery for patients with complex brain and spine metastases.
4. Discuss updates in neuropathology, molecular diagnostics, and tumor classification that inform prognosis, treatment selection, and multidisciplinary decision-making for metastatic CNS tumors.
5. Differentiate disease progression from treatment-related effects, including radiation necrosis, pseudoprogression, leptomeningeal disease, and post-treatment radiographic change, using clinical, radiographic, pathologic, and molecular information.
6. Integrate the roles of neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, neuropathology, spine oncology, advanced practice providers, neuropsychology, palliative care, and supportive oncology into coordinated, patient-centered care plans.
7. Employ effective interprofessional communication strategies that merge clinical observations, specialty expertise, imaging interpretation, pathology/molecular data, and patient goals to optimize care for patients with brain and spine metastases.
8. Apply principles of collaboration, mutual respect, trust, integrity, and ethical practice when working with members of the healthcare team to deliver high-quality, patient centered care for patients with metastatic CNS disease.

In support of improving patient care, Thomas Jefferson University 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: This educational activity is designated for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ^TM . Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses: This activity awards 6.50 nursing contact hours.

Other Healthcare Professionals: This educational activity is designated for 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ^TM. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nursing Pharmacology Credit: This educational activity offers 6.00 nursing pharmacology credit. Qualifying sessions are noted on the agenda.

PA Patient Safety and Risk Credit: This education activity offers 3.50 PA Patient Safety and Risk credit. Qualifying sessions are noted on the agenda.

Agenda
Agenda subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy
Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing and received in the Office of CPD two weeks prior to the start date of the course. There will be no refunds after this period.*  Cancellations notified before the two week time frame will incur a 25% administration fee (with a minimum of $20).  Registrants who fail to attend the conference are responsible for the entire fee.  All refunds will be processed after the conference.  The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone this course due to unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of cancellation or postponement, the University will refund registration fees, but is not responsible for related costs or expenses to participants, including cancellation fees assessed by hotels, airlines or travel agencies. Registration fees will be refunded less a 15% administration fee to international conference registrants who are unable to secure a travel visa. Registrants must provide proof of visa denial. Email [email protected] - please include the activity name in the subject line.

Jefferson Release Policy
Jefferson may record/livestream/photograph this educational activity. These images/recordings, along with your name, may be used in Jefferson publications or on the Jefferson website. If you verbally submit any questions for Q&A sessions, you are agreeing to be recorded and to have that recording available in enduring materials. Once photographed, filmed, recorded, or videotaped, you waive the right of inspection or approval to which such images/recordings may be put and Jefferson has the right to use, publish, reproduce, modify, adapt, and distribute at any time in any manner or medium.

Jefferson HIPAA Policy
As an attendee of this educational activity hosted by Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson University Physicians, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc. (collectively 'Jefferson'), you may gain access to certain proprietary information ('Confidential Information'), including Protected Health Information ('PHI').

By participating in this educational activity, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information, including all PHI, obtained from any source. You also agree to take all necessary steps to protect such Confidential Information and shall not directly or indirectly disclose or use it in any manner or for any reason, other than as necessary to complete the educational activity. Further, you agree not to take photographs, record in any manner or otherwise reproduce any such Confidential Information. You understand that any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information may result in possible legal action against you by Jefferson whose confidentiality is breached.

Photography and Recording
Unauthorized recording or photography at a Jefferson-sponsored event is strictly prohibited. Individuals found violating this policy will be asked to vacate the activity. No credits or refund will be issued.

Copyright
All rights reserved – Thomas Jefferson University. No part of this program may be used, reproduced, or shared in any manner whatsoever without express written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews.

Jefferson Alumni Hall
1020 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Directions

Parking at Jefferson

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Thomas Jefferson University adheres to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and the policies that supplement the Standards.

All planners, faculty, and others in control of educational content are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with ACCME defined ineligible companies within the past 24 months. Any conflicts of interests have been mitigated prior to this educational activity. Such disclosures will be available prior to the start of the activity. Jefferson conflict of interest mitigation process may result in changes to the program agenda.

Off-Label/Investigational Use
All faculty/presenters/authors at Thomas Jefferson University sponsored events are required to disclose whether or not their content contains information of commercial products/devices that are unlabeled for use or investigational uses of products not yet approved. Product(s) is/are not included in the labeling approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of disease(s).

Content Disclaimer
The views expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. It should not be inferred or assumed that they are expressing the views of any manufacturer of pharmaceuticals or devices or Thomas Jefferson University.

It should be noted that the recommendations made herein with regard to the use of therapeutic agents, varying disease states, and assessments of risk, are based upon a combination of clinical trials, current guidelines, and the clinical practice experience of the participating presenters. The drug selection and dosage information presented in this activity are believed to be accurate. However, participants are urged to consult all available data on products and procedures before using them in clinical practice.

AI Use in Accredited Content
All faculty, presenters, and authors participating in Thomas Jefferson University–sponsored events must disclose any use of AI in creating or editing content. Disclosures should specify the AI tool’s name, version, and date of use, and briefly describe how it supported the work—for example, drafting, data analysis, or assessment development. They must also identify the model or source, state that all outputs were reviewed and verified by a human (including who conducted the review and how), and indicate whether any prompts or outputs were stored externally.

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

James J Evans, MD
Neurosurgeon
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia , PA

Co-Director, Faculty

Royalties or Patent Beneficiary-Mizuho

Stephanie Robert, MD, PhD
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Co-Director, Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Iyad Alnahhas, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor, Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

David W Andrews, MD
Division Chief, NeuroOncology, Neurological Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Mark H Bilsky, MD
Vice Chairman for Clinical Affairs, Neurosurgery
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, PA

Faculty

Ann Donnelly, MSN, RN, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner of Radiation Oncology
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Adam E Flanders, MD
Physician
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Jim S Harrop, MD
Professor of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Advisor-DePuy (Any division)|Advisor-Ethicon (Any division)|Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.-Spiderwort|Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.-Kringle

Kevin J Hines, MD
Assistant Professor, Associate Director, Neurological Surgery Residency Program
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Melissa Johnson, MD
Director of Lung Cancer Research
SCRI Oncology Partners
Nashville, TN

Faculty

Kevin D Judy, MD
Professor of Neurosurgery
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Kimberly Krajewski, RN, BSN
Jefferson Health
Chadds Ford, PA

Faculty

Tamara A Lacouture, MD
Section Head and Medical Director of Radiation Oncology
Jefferson Health New Jersey Radiation Oncology
Sewell, NJ

Faculty

Douglas W Laske, MD
Chief of Neurosurgery, Jefferson Abington Hospital
Jefferson Health System
Bala Cynwyd, PA

Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Nina L Martinez, MD
Assistant Professor
Thomas Jefferson Universiy
Philadelphia , PA

Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Srinivas Prasad, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Speakers Bureau-Stryker Spine|Royalties or Patent Beneficiary-Stryker Spine (Relationship has ended)|Speakers Bureau-Depuy Spine|Paid consultant-MiRus

Susan Reisman, MSN, CRNP
Jefferson Health
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Kristen T Schlaffer, RN, BSN
Registered Nurse
Thomas Jefferson Department of Neurosurgery Tumor Division
Philadelphia , PA

Faculty

Steven N. Schwartz, MD, FCAP, FASCP
Assistant Professor
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Elena Shagisultanova, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Stavropoula I Tjoumakaris, MD, FAANS, FACS, FAHA
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University, Dept. Neurosurgery
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty

Consulting Fee-Microvention|Consulting Fee-Medtronic|Grant or research support-Microvention

Lauren Barbieri, CRNP
Jefferson Health
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty, Nurse Planner

Nothing to disclose

Tyler Lynch, MHA
Jefferson Health
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty, Other Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Nicole Pietrobon, BSN
Staff Nurse
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Glenside, PA

Faculty, Other Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Kathleen Silva, CRNP, MSN
Thomas Jefferson University Physicians
Turnersville, NJ

Faculty, Other Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Christopher J Farrell, MD
Associate Professor
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty, Physician Planner

Nothing to disclose

Jennifer M Johnson, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty, Physician Planner

Consulting Fee-Foundation Medicine|Consulting Fee-Johnson & Johnson

Wenyin Shi, MD, PhD
Professor
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Faculty, Physician Planner

Consulting Fee-Varian|Consulting Fee-Novocure|Grant or research support-Brainlab

Friday, October 30, 2026

Join us as an exhibitor for this Symposium where leading neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, advanced practice providers, nurses, researchers, and other healthcare professionals will convene to explore the latest advances in brain health and neuroscience care.

Educational discussions will focus on cutting-edge developments in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, neuroimaging, neuroscience research, innovative therapeutics, multidisciplinary patient management, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of brain care.

This event provides a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase products, services, devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tools, and educational resources while engaging directly with key decision-makers and clinical experts in the neuroscience community.

Application Deadline
Applications for exhibiting will be accepted through October 16, 2026. After October 16, 2026, applications may be accepted on a case by case basis.

Exhibitor Rules

• Exhibitor is not providing commercial support for this activity; they are purchasing exhibit space only.

• All exhibits must be tabletop or portable in nature.

• Exhibitor activities are restricted to the designated space at the conference. Distribution of educational/promotional materials by the exhibitors is limited to their booth space in the exhibit area. It is not permitted anywhere else in the hall, conference meeting space, or at the entrances to the conference meeting space.

• Exhibits are intended for informational purposes only; products should not be sold onsite.

• Photography by exhibitors that include images of the conference or its attendees is prohibited.

• The purpose of the exhibit is to support attendee education through product and service displays and demonstrations. Exhibitor personnel may observe scientific sessions but may not participate in or record them on behalf of their company.

• Thomas Jefferson University is not responsible for the security of exhibitors’ materials. Exhibitors are advised not to leave valuables (e.g., laptops, cell phones) unattended at any time.

Cancellation by Conference Organizers
If the conference is cancelled, the organizers are not responsible for any airfare, hotel, or other costs incurred by exhibitors. The full exhibit fee paid by the company will be refunded.

Exhibitor Refund Request
Requests for exhibitor fee refunds must be submitted in writing and received by the Office of Continuing Professional Development (OCPD) at least one month before the conference start date. Cancellations received before this deadline will incur a 10% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued after this period. All refunds will be processed after the conference.

Exhibitors who do not attend the conference will not receive a refund. Send refund request to [email protected]. Include conference name in the subject line.