Glioblastoma Multiforme: Virtual Program on Friday

• Download: rick-ledesma-poster.pdf

See and hear about glioblastoma multiforme, a very aggressive brain cancer, from the perspective of the patients’ families, their physicians and medical researchers. Student researchers—the Glioblasters—at Andrews University are currently involved in making novel chemotherapeutics for this cancer.

The "program" for this Zoom meeting scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at 4 p.m. (EDT) is as follows:

• Denise Smith, instructor, Andrews University Department of Biology: Introduces Andrews' glioblastoma research and the excitement this year about the modified TMZ approach
• Desmond Murray, associate professor of chemistry, Andrews University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry: Connects Andrews' research to personal experiences of the Ledesma family
• Janet Ledesma, associate dean, Andrews University School of Education: Speaks about her personal journey with glioblastoma and introduces her husband’s doctors
• Drs. Horbinski & Lukas, Northwestern University: Speak about basic science and advances in the field of glioblastoma research, their contribution to the field, and the future of the field
• Q&A

Guest Speakers

Dr. Rimas Lukas, associate chief of the Neuro-Oncology Division at Northwestern University and member of the Lou & Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, is interested in the care of patients with primary brain tumors and spinal cord tumors as well as central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Dr. Lukas's research centers on clinical trial development and management in neuro-oncology. Additionally, he has a strong interest in medical education in the U.S. and internationally and conducts research in neuroscience medical education.

Dr. Craig Horbinski hails from Buffalo, New York, where he completed his combined MD, PhD, training at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He then did an Anatomic Pathology residency and a Neuropathology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. As a tenured professor at Northwestern University, Dr. Horbinski directs the Neuropathology Division and the Nervous System Tumor Bank. To date, Dr. Horbinski has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and has obtained extramural research support as a principal investigator from multiple sources, including the NIH. His NCI-funded brain tumor bank has supported over 70 intramural and extramural research projects. Dr. Horbinski has delivered over 80 invited talks and platform presentations on brain tumors at a variety of national and international settings. Dr. Horbinski is an associate editor of Neuro Oncology and Neuro Oncology Advances. He is also on the editorial board of the top three neuropathology journals (Acta Neuropathologica, Brain Pathology, Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology).

For the personal story of Rick Ledesma view:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfrMKxCDehM
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TNGZzRpvc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAABhQTF6fI

See you online on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at 4 p.m. (EDT) at https://andrews.zoom.us/j/95739595082.