New information added to the ‘Learn’ pillar:
New research articles:
- The microbiome and glioma. This review summarises the available evidence on the role of glioma-related microbiome, which includes the gut microbiome and the microbiome from within tumour cells. While links between the gut microbiome and cancer have been well stablished, its affect on tumour progression and therapeutic efficacy on glioma requires further research.
- A Clinical Trial of Medicinal Cannabis for Patients with High Grade Gliomas. This clinical trial assessed the tolerability of two different ratios of medicinal cannabis (THC and CBD) in 88 adults with a high grade glioma. The study showed that one nightly dose of medicinal cannabis was safe to use, well tolerated and had no serious adverse effects. In addition, sleep, quality of life and functional wellbeing significantly improved.
- Treatment Options for Progression or Recurrence of Glioblastoma. This literature review reports on the effectiveness of various treatments for first and subsequent progression or recurrence of glioblastoma (GBM). The trials that were included in the review included people who have already received the standard of care for primary treatment of the disease (e.g. radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide).
Links to new websites and other resources:
- The role of an exercise physiologist in the treatment of cancer. The Brain Tumours Online team hosted a Q&A webinar on “Exercise, Nutrition, and Wellbeing” in April 2024. The guest speakers on the panel included Associate Professor Prue Cormie (Exercise physiologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre). Here we provide links to some extra information on exercise and the role of an exercise physiologist in helping ensure you have an exercise plan that is tailored to your individual needs during and after treatment for a brain tumour.
- Resources on Nutrition and Diet. The Brain Tumours Online team hosted a Q&A webinar on “Exercise, Nutrition, and Wellbeing” in April 2024. The guest speakers on the panel included Associate Professor Prue Cormie (Exercise physiologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre), Dr Merran Findlay (Oncology specialist Dietician from the University of New South Wales) and Associate Professor Judith Lacey (Integrated Oncologist from Chris O’Brien Lighthouse). Here we provide links to some extra information on nutrition and diet.
- Oligodendroglioma (The Brain Tumour Charity – UK). Oligodendroglioma is a type of brain tumour that develops from the brain’s glial cells, and Oligodendrogliomas account for roughly 3% of all primary brain tumours. This webpage from the Brain Tumours Charity in the UK includes details such as some of the common biomarker tests used in diagnosis, the symptoms of oligodendroglioma, treatments, and information on prognosis.
- Biomarker tests for Brain Tumours (The Brain Tumour Charity – UK). If you have a brain tumour, a biomarker test may be used to look at the genes associated with your type of tumour. This webpage from the UK gives a great overview of what biomarkers are, biomarkers for brain tumour diagnosis, biomarkers for predicting responses to brain tumour treatment and prognosis, and some of the specific biomarker names you may hear about. In Australia, you can talk to your medical oncologist to find out what biomarkers might be appropriate for your situation.
- Haemangioblastoma (The Brain Tumour Charity – UK). Haemangioblastomas are tumours that grow from blood vessel cells. They are low grade, very slow growing, although some people (for example with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome) can have multiple tumours. This website from the UK explains what is a haemangioblastoma, what causes it, common symptoms, and how it is treated.
- Brain mapping (Brain Tumor Center, USA). Awake brain mapping, also called cortical stimulation mapping, is the most precise way to identify and protect critical brain regions during removal of a tumour. It is conducted with the patient’s help during an awake craniotomy but can also be performed with the patient asleep. This website of the Brain Tumor Center, hosted by the University of California, explains how brain mapping is performed and answers frequently asked questions.
- Travel: Countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (Australian Government). There are agreements with some countries where Australian visitors can get publicly funded medically necessary care, for example emergency care and care for an illness or injury that can’t wait till you get home. These countries currently include: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom. For more info about conditions and eligibility please visit the website. You can find it on the Brain Tumours Online website under Learn > Living with a Brain Tumour > Lifestyle Changes, or use the search icon to look for ‘Travel’.
- Practical help for managing cancer concerns at home (Video – Griffith University). In these videos Dr Joan Carlini talks with Ms Julia Robertson (person with a brain cancer) and Ms Catherine (carer) about ways to offer pratical help to people affected by brain tumours and how to accept it. The first video addresses topics such as providing assistance with household chores, gardening, driving and the best way to express your offer to help. It also mentions the Can Do App to organise tasks and helpers. The second video touches on what type of help is useful at what point in time and for who.
New webinars and video resources in the ‘Connect’ pillar:
You can find videos of all our past webinars by clicking on ‘Connect’ then ‘Events’, then click on the toggle button to see ‘past’ or ‘upcoming’ events.
If you missed the live webinars, you can now watch the video recordings online:
Past webinars – May and early June:
- Q&A Webinar: High grade glioma – clinical trials.
- Q&A Webinar: Meningiomas.
- Q&A Webinar: Managing cognitive and behavioural changes.
Upcoming webinars:
Every month we host new webinars. You can find the upcoming webinars on the Brain Tumours Online website by clicking on Connect > Events, ‘upcoming events’.
In late June, we have the following webinars that you can register to attend and submit questions for the speakers:
- Q&A Webinar: Palliative & Supportive care – holistic services that can improve your quality of life.
- Shared experiences: Those who love and those who care.
Looking for information and can’t find it?
If you have any requests for more information on a specific topic, please send us an email on BT-Online@unimelb.edu.au and we will do our best to source the information to add to the site, or organise a webinar with experts able to answer your questions on that topic.
You can also join the Brain Tumours Online social media Community to connect with others, find out what’s new on the site and contribute ideas for the webinars.