Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke

11/20/2025

Gliosarcoma is a rare and aggressive brain tumor that develops in the central nervous system. It contains both glial and connective tissue components, making it a unique variant of glioblastoma.

Although uncommon, gliosarcoma is treated using similar approaches to glioblastoma, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Researchers at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke continue to study new treatment strategies to improve outcomes for patients facing this diagnosis.

Learn more at tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu

11/17/2025

Caregivers are integral members of the care team who understand the challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis on a personal level. They bring perspective, advocacy, and a sense of continuity to the patient experience, helping ensure that care extends beyond the clinic and into everyday life.

11/14/2025

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful and demanding roles a person can take on. At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, we believe that caring for caregivers is just as important as caring for patients.

When someone you know is supporting a loved one through a brain tumor diagnosis, small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Offer to listen without judgment. Lend a hand with daily tasks or appointments. Encourage moments of rest, reflection, and connection. Sometimes even a few kind words can remind them that they are seen and supported.

Together, we can create a community where caregivers feel cared for too.

11/10/2025

On November 8, we recognize World Radiography Day, honoring the vital role of medical imaging in brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.

From MRI and CT scans to PET imaging and advanced techniques such as spectroscopy and tractography, radiology helps our team see what the eye cannot, guiding precise and compassionate care.

Join us in celebrating the radiologists, technologists, and imaging specialists whose expertise makes progress possible every day.

11/06/2025

A new study at Duke is testing a combination of the targeted therapy vorasidenib and the immunotherapy pembrolizumab in adults with recurrent or progressive IDH1-mutant glioma. The goal is to evaluate whether this experimental treatment can provide a safer and more effective option for patients.

Patients may be eligible if they are 18 or older, have a grade 2 or grade 3 IDH1 R132H glioma that has returned or progressed after radiation and/or chemotherapy, and are considering surgery.

Learn more about the study and eligibility by visiting https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05484622

11/04/2025

November is National Caregiver Month 💙

At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, we recognize that behind every patient is someone who gives selflessly, offering strength, patience, and love through every appointment, scan, and treatment day. Caregivers are the quiet heroes who hold families together, advocate for their loved ones, and bring hope in moments that matter most.

This month and always, we honor your compassion, resilience, and unwavering support. Thank you for the countless ways you help our patients heal and for reminding us what true care looks like.

10/30/2025

Brain tumor symptoms are not always obvious and can differ from one person to another. The most common signs include headaches that grow worse over time, seizures in those with no history of epilepsy, vision or speech changes, memory challenges, and problems with balance or coordination.

When symptoms persist, they should not be ignored. Early recognition can make a significant difference in treatment options and patient outcomes.

Raising awareness about these signs helps save lives.

10/28/2025

This week marks International Brain Tumor Awareness Week. Across the world, patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates are coming together to raise awareness and share knowledge.

At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, our commitment is to treat every patient with compassionate, world-class care while advancing research that will change the future. Awareness is the first step in building that future.

Like, share, comment on this post - every action makes a difference.

10/23/2025

Meet Annick Desjardins, MD.

Dr. Desjardins is a distinguished neuro-oncologist at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, where she serves as Director of Clinical Research. With a focus on glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas, she has led and contributed to some of the most impactful clinical trials in the field.

Her work has been instrumental in advancing immunotherapy, vaccine therapies, and novel treatment approaches for brain tumor patients. Dr. Desjardins is internationally recognized for her leadership in designing and conducting studies that bring promising new therapies from the lab into the clinic.

As a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke, she combines research expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Desjardins is deeply committed to improving quality of life for patients and their families, ensuring that treatment decisions reflect both the science and the human experience of living with a brain tumor.

We are proud to highlight Dr. Desjardins as part of the Duke Brain Tumor Center team, where her dedication to research, innovation, and patient care continues to shape the future of neuro-oncology.

10/20/2025

We're excited to introduce our *NEW* Story Station at our next event on April 25, 2026! This will give patients and caregivers an opportunity to share their stories and leave a meaningful letter for patients to grab in the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center clinic. We are looking forward to hearing your beautiful stories of strength, inspiration, and hope.

10/20/2025

Brain tumor patients and families need your support. At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, every donation helps advance groundbreaking research, expand clinical trials, and improve patient care.

You can make a difference by sharing this post and by giving through the Give link on our website: https://tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu/givetoday. Together we can bring hope, drive discovery, and work toward a cure.

10/15/2025

Headaches are often the first symptom people associate with brain tumors, but not everyone with a brain tumor experiences them. Depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor, symptoms may instead include changes in vision or speech, difficulties with memory, or subtle shifts in personality and behavior.

Because symptoms can vary widely, timely evaluation and diagnosis are essential.

Learn more about the connection between headaches and brain tumors on our blog: https://tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu/blog/headache-could-it-be-brain-tumor

Headaches are a common occurrence that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives. They can range from mild to severe and can be a common symptom of various factors such as stress, tension, sinus problems, or even dehydration. However, in rare cases, a headache may be a sign of a more....