October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that breast cancer can also affect the brain? More than one-third of patients with advanced HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer may eventually develop brain metastases. Research has shown that when breast cancer spreads to the brain, tumor cells can adapt to the brain environment and interact with surrounding brain cells. Breast cancer metastases may also show preferences for particular regions of the brain. Despite advances in breast cancer treatment, brain metastases remain extremely challenging to treat, and outcomes can be poor. We urgently need more research to understand how and why breast cancer spreads to the brain and to develop more effective treatments for patients facing this diagnosis. At the USC Brain Tumor Center, we are committed to advancing research and multidisciplinary care for patients with metastatic tumors of the brain. This October, as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we also recognize the patients and families facing the complex reality of breast cancer that has spread to the brain. 💗🧠 #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #BreastCancer #BrainMetastases #MetastaticBreastCancer #BrainTumorResearch #CancerResearch

A milestone for brain care in Southern California! 🧠✨ Keck Medicine of USC recently celebrated the Gamma Knife® Esprit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. We’re the first center in Southern California to offer this technology, which delivers precisely focused radiation without an incision. For eligible patients, treatment with a frameless mask is also an option. At the USC Brain Tumor Center, our specialists work together to tailor care to each patient’s needs. Thank you to @ColoradoBlvdNet  for highlighting this addition to our care options!  coloradoboulevard.net/keck-m… #KeckMedicine #USCBrainTumorCenter #GammaKnifeEsprit #BrainTumor #Radiosurgery #NeuroOncology

The 27th Annual Brain Tumor Update and 16th Annual Symposium on Brain Metastases and Spine Tumors hosted by @ClevelandClinic   and @KECKSchool_USC  is one month away! Registration is now open go to link in bio and register today! keckusc.cloud-cme.com/course… #brain #braintumor #braincancer #brainmetastases

Join us for the American Brain Tumor Association’s @theABTA 5K Run/Walk on November 7th, 2026 at Crescent Bay Park in Santa Monica! The USC Brain Tumor Center is proud to be a Sponsor of this inspiring event. Last year was an unforgettable day filled with community, strength, and hope and we can’t wait to do it all again. Walk, run, and rally with us in support of brain tumor patients and their families. Together, we can make a difference. give.abta.org/TEAMUSCBTC2026 #EndBrainTumors #USCBTC #ABTA5K #BrainTumorAwareness

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the USC Brain Tumor Center stands with everyone affected by breast cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and the loved ones we remember. Every cancer journey is different, but no one should have to face it alone. Through compassionate care, collaborative research, early detection, and the strength of our community, we continue moving toward a future with better treatments and greater hope. To those navigating a diagnosis: your courage inspires us. To the clinicians, researchers, caregivers, and advocates supporting them: your dedication makes progress possible. Together, we honor every story, celebrate every step forward, and remain united in the pursuit of hope and healing. 💗 #BreastCancerAwareness #breastcancer #breasttobrain #brainmetastases #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #CancerResearch #Hope #StrongerTogether

The Neuro-Oncology Disease Affinity Group (DAG) brings together investigators across USC with a shared interest in cancers and diseases of the nervous system. The group is multidisciplinary, connecting clinical and translational investigators with basic and population scientists to foster collaboration across the spectrum of neuro-oncology research. The Neuro-Oncology DAG meets every two months to share ongoing research, discuss emerging opportunities, and develop new collaborations that can advance high-impact translational projects. Meetings feature presentations from USC investigators as well as invited speakers and representatives from outside institutions and industry, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and build new partnerships. The goal is to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to accelerate discoveries from the laboratory to patients with neurological cancers. #neurooncology #braintumorresearch #neurologicalcancers #collaborationincare #translationalresearch #benchtobedside

This past weekend, the USC Brain Tumor Center was honored to serve as a Platinum Sponsor of the American Brain Tumor Association National Conference. It was inspiring to gather with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers, all united by a shared commitment to advancing brain tumor care and support. We were especially grateful to reconnect with familiar faces, including patients and caregivers who have attended in previous years. A special thank you to our Patient Navigator, Nancy Hart, for representing our team and supporting this meaningful event. Events like this remind us of the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. We’re proud to stand alongside the ABTA in advancing awareness, research, and hope for everyone affected by brain tumors. #braintumor #braincancer #braincancerresearch #braincancerawareness #abtanationalconference #collaboration

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, although it can also affect adults. Treatment is tailored to each patient and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. At the Brain Tumor Center, our laboratory is committed to advancing medulloblastoma research by better understanding the biology of this disease, why it can recur, and how we can translate those discoveries into better treatments and outcomes. None of this progress happens without the patients and families who participate in research and help us move the needle forward. We are especially grateful to patient and family advocates, including Carolina Valls, whose voices, experiences, and commitment continually remind us why this work matters. We are also deeply thankful to the foundations that believe in and support our research, including @theABTA  and @UncleKoryFndn. Their partnership makes it possible to pursue new ideas and push toward discoveries that can ultimately benefit patients. Behind every diagnosis is a person and a family, facing tremendous uncertainty. Patients, families, advocates, researchers, clinicians, and foundations all have a role in changing what a medulloblastoma diagnosis means for the next generation. 💛🧠 #Medulloblastoma #BrainTumorResearch #BrainTumorAwareness #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #PediatricCancer #CancerResearch

Join us this weekend at the ABTA National Conference! Stop by our booth to meet the team, connect, and learn more about what we do. We can’t wait to see you there! #ABTANationalConference #ABTA #SeeYouThere #Networking

🌟 USC Brain Tumor Center Patient Support Group 🌟 Our support group-led by Jinsy Rogers, LCSW, OSW-C-offers a safe and compassionate space for patients to connect, share their experiences, and find comfort in community. Through open conversation, education, and encouragement, we help patients discover strength, hope, and healing together. 🩶 #patientsupport #BrainTumorSupport #BrainTumorCommunity #braintumor #braincancer

Caring for someone with a brain tumor can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to carry it alone ❤️ 🧠 Tomorrow is our Caregiver Support Group Meeting (Virtual). Join us for a supportive space to share experiences, learn helpful coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the caregiver journey. You are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone. 🤍 To join today's session, please contact for the Zoom link: Jinsy Rogers, LCSW 📧 [email protected] or Nancy Hart, Nurse Navigator, RN 📞 1-844-33-BRAIN (27246) 📧 [email protected] #braintumor #braincancer #caregiversupport #braintumorawareness

We’re proud to support the ABTA 2025 National Conference, the largest gathering dedicated to the brain tumor community. Join us September 18–20 in Chicago or online as we share our latest innovations in brain tumor treatment, care, and support. Visit our booth to connect with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals— and learn how we’re making a difference together. Register now: abta.org/national-conference #ABTAConference2025 #BrainTumorAwareness #BrainTumorStrong

This Labor Day, we pause to honor the dedication and tireless efforts of workers everywhere, especially the caregivers, researchers, physicians, and staff who devote their energy to improving the lives of brain tumor patients.  We are grateful for the extraordinary commitment of our team and for the resilience of the patients and families we serve every day. Wishing our community a safe and restful Labor Day. #laborday #thankful

🔬 New Research in Glioblastoma Congratulations to Dr. Aram Modrek and collaborators on their newly published study in Nature Communications, exploring how DNA damage can have lasting effects on glioblastoma cells. The study found that widespread DNA damage can lead to persistent changes in the way DNA is organized and genes are expressed—even after the initial damage has been repaired. These changes may influence how tumor cells behave and could potentially contribute to treatment resistance following therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.  Understanding how glioblastoma cells adapt and survive after treatment is an important step toward identifying new strategies to overcome resistance and improve outcomes for patients. We are proud to see members of the USC Brain Tumor Center and the USC Department or Radiation Oncology represented in this important research advancing our understanding of glioblastoma biology. Congratulations to Dr. Modrek and the entire research team! 👏🧠 Link in Bio: f.mtr.cool/k4eueisnjm #Glioblastoma #BrainTumorResearch #USCBrainTumorCenter #KeckMedicineUSC #USCResearch #CancerResearch #NeuroOncology #BrainCancerResearch

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we stand with children and families affected by pediatric brain tumors. By raising awareness, amplifying their stories, and advancing research, we can help drive progress toward earlier detection and more effective treatments. Together, we can accelerate hope and build a brighter future for the next generation. #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #GoldSeptember

A brain tumor diagnosis changes everything in an instant. One of the most important decisions comes next: where to be treated. At the USC Brain Tumor Center, every patient benefits from a multidisciplinary team bringing together expertise in neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, imaging, pathology, rehabilitation, and more. Why patients come to USC: 🧠 Collaborative tumor board review 🔬 Expertise in rare and complex tumors 🧬 Advanced imaging and molecular diagnostics 🎯 Specialized surgery and radiation 🧪 Access to clinical trials and emerging therapies When it comes to brain tumors, specialized expertise matters. Ask questions. Explore your options. Choose the plan that’s right for you. Heal On! ✌️

Eight years ago today, Senator John McCain lost his life to glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of brain cancer. His extraordinary legacy of service, courage, and resilience continues to inspire people around the world. His story also remains a powerful reminder of the urgent need to advance research, develop more effective treatments, and improve outcomes for every patient facing glioblastoma. At the USC Brain Tumor Center, we honor Senator McCain’s memory and all those whose lives have been impacted by this disease; by remaining steadfast in our mission to provide compassionate, multidisciplinary care, advance innovative research and clinical trials, and work toward a future where glioblastoma no longer takes lives too soon. #GlioblastomaAwareness #JohnMcCain #GBM #BrainTumorResearch #FightOn #HealOn

For many patients with a brain tumor, neurosurgery is the first critical step in their treatment journey. At the USC Brain Tumor Center, our highly specialized neurosurgery team combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care, laying the foundation for the treatment and recovery that follow. From diagnosis and surgery to multidisciplinary treatment and long-term care, our team is committed to being there every step of the way. #BrainTumorCare #Neurosurgery #PatientCenteredCare