Foundations in Neuro-Oncology: A Guide for Clinical Practice 2026

This one-day virtual course provides a comprehensive overview of cancers of the central nervous system (CNS), highlighting current management strategies, emerging therapies, and neuro-oncologic emergencies. Neuro-oncology is a highly specialized field that demands advanced clinical knowledge and multidisciplinary coordination to optimize patient outcomes. This course offers a strong foundation in the principles and evolving practices of neuro-oncologic care.

Topics include:

• Foundational neuroanatomy

• Management of primary and metastatic brain tumors

• Leptomeningeal disease and central nervous system lymphoma

• Rapid assessment and intervention for neuro-oncologic emergencies

• Best practices in supportive care and communication with patients and caregivers

Participants will also gain insight into recent therapeutic advances shaping the care of this complex patient population.

This course is designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacy specialists, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with central nervous system cancers.

1. Differentiate treatment of primary brain tumors, secondary brain tumors and central nervous system lymphoma.
2. Explore the pearls of basic and advanced neuro-radiology techniques.
3. Gain confidence in the recognition and treatment of neuro-oncologic emergencies.
4. Employ evidence-based practice regarding supportive care for the neuro-oncologic patient and caregiver.

Registration Fees 

• Physicians (MDs, PhDs, DOs): $199

• Advanced Practice Providers: $149

• Nurses and Other Healthcare Providers: $99

• Residents and Fellows: $25*

• Industry Professionals**: $350

• MSK Employees: Complimentary

Discounted registration is available for specific groups, including healthcare professional students and registrants that reside and practice in low and lower-middle income countries. If eligible, you will receive further instructions and a promotion code to use during registration. View our policy on Registration Discounts for more information.

For details on our cancellation terms, please review our Cancellation Policy.

*The registration fee for residents and fellows is non-refundable.
**An industry professional is defined as any individual, irrespective of their provider type (such as MDs, PhDs, APPs, RNs, etc.) that is employed by an ineligible company. Please review our Registration Policy for Industry Professionals for more information.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABS CC Recognition Statement

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME and Self-Assessment requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

MOC/CC points earned will be reported to the board within 45 days of completing the post-course evaluation.

An application for ANCC Nursing contact hours has been submitted and is pending approval.

Course Director

Linda McKenna, AGACNP-BC, ANP-BC, CNS, CCRN-CMC
Nurse Practitioner Specialist, Neurological Advanced Care Unit
APP Fellowship Coordinator, Neurology and Neurosurgery
Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Course Co-Directors

Jessica Goggin, DNP, AGACNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, CNRN
Nurse Practitioner
Brain and Spine Tumor Center
NYU Langone

Bianca Santomasso, MD, PhD
Assistant Attending Physician, Brain Tumor Service
Department of Neurology
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Advanced Practice Provider Sponsor 

Nicole N. Zakak, MS, RN, CPNP, CPHON® 
Director, Advanced Practice Provider Professional Development and Quality
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

 
Course Planning Committee 

Linda D’Andrea, MSN, RN, PPCNP-BC, CPHON®
Nurse Practitioner Specialist, 
Neuroblastoma Service
Department of Pediatrics
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Jennifer Fisher, PA-C
Physician Assistant
NYU Langone Health

Meghan Hendershot, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner, Neuro Critical Care
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Ryan Mitchell, AGPCNP-BC 
Nurse Practitioner
Perlmutter Cancer Center
NYU Langone

Mary Petriccione, BSN, MSN, CPNP
Nurse Practitioner, Department of Pediatrics
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Laren Socia, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Neurological Intensive Care
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Guest Faculty

Marissa Barbaro, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
NYU Langone

Eileen Harrigan, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
Director, Neuropalliative Care
NYU Langone

Jessica Schulte, MD, PhD
Member, Departments of Neurology, Medicine, and Pediatrics
Administrative Director; Director, Adolescent and Young Adult Program, Brain and Spine Tumor Center
NYU Langone

MSK Faculty

Sofia Haque, MD
Head, Pediatric Neuroradiology

Kenny Kwok Hei Yu, MBBS, PhD, FRCS
Assistant Attending Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery

George Lai, MD
Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Neurology

Shila Pandey, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, ACHPN
Nurse Practitioner, Supportive Care Service

Silvia Quebec, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Department of Neurology

Javin Schefflein, MD
Assistant Attending Radiologist, Neuroradiology Service

Jessica Wilcox, MD
Assistant Attending Physician, Brain Tumor Service, Department of Neurology

Onur Yildirim, MD
Assistant Attending Radiologist, Neuroradiology Service

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.