Highlights of The 5th International Conference on Meningioma and Cerebral Venous System
Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji, served as the fascinating backdrop to the International Congress on Meningioma and Cerebral Venous System’s 5th International Conference. Held from November 27-29, the three-day conference displayed the influence of the sacred venue’s distinct traditions of pilgrimage and warrior training, as nearly 200 neurosurgeons and researchers made the long journey for an international fellowship committed to the emergent battle against meningioma.

Comprised of lectures and panels, the comprehensive program included more than 140 scientific topics addressing developments in research, biology and treatment of this disease in areas such as radiosurgery and intravascular surgery. BSF Trustee and Medical Advisor Dr. Peter M. Black, M.D., PhD., Vice President of this Congress, presented lectures on the “Epidemiology of Meningiomas” and “Changing Patterns in Meningioma Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.” Additionally, Dr. Black introduced the Congress to Meningioma Mommas founder and BSF Trustee Liz Holzemer, who subsequently enriched several presentations with her perspective as a meningioma patient and survivor.

With each presentation yielding to inquiries and lively discussions among colleagues, jet lag seemed no match to the conference’s content and cause. Social programs, which included a climb up part of the mountain and tour of the five lakes around the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, called Fuji Goko, inspired even more networking among those pioneering this field. Further proof of the Congress’s momentum came in the announcement of a Society that will regulate policies and assist in planning for future conferences, starting with the scientific program for the  6th International Congress. As President of this Congress, Dr. Black will host the ’08 event in Boston. Massachusetts, from September 4-8, 2008. 

Said Dr. Peter Black, “The International Congress on Meningioma and Cerebral Venous System is evidence that surgeons and scientists are giving meningioma patients the attention that they badly need. We hope that from it, we’ll have an ongoing emphasis on these challenging brain tumors.”

Anticipating a big role in the ’08 Conference, the Brain Science Foundation sent several members to Mount Fuji for a better perspective on the event and to report back to The Meningioma Project members on the developments coming from the 5th International Congress. BSF Founder Steven Haley was among those who attended. He will soon share his thoughts on the conference via The Meningioma Project blog. Developments regarding the ‘08 conference will be continually updated on this site as planning unfolds. Additionally, you may visit the conference web site by clicking here.