Neurosurgery

Bakhtiar Yamini, MD speaking at BrainUp’s 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk in 2019.

BrainUp’s Commitment to Patients, Families and Research

The University of Chicago Medicine Brain Tumor Center is led by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists who collaborate to plan and provide individualized care for patients with the most intricate brain and spinal cord tumors, both malignant and benign. This includes everything from maximally invasive resections to minimally invasive needle-based treatments.

Bakhtiar Yamini, MD, Professor of Surgery and Director of Neurosurgical Oncology, knew early on in his career that neurosurgical oncology was his calling. From a surgical standpoint, he finds complex brain procedures fascinating; his research interests have allowed him to dive even deeper into neuro-oncology and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in how brain and spinal cord tumors develop, sustain and spread. Dr. Yamini’s research on a specific tumor called glioblastoma has led not only to several publications in recent years, but also to a clinical trial in patients with the tumor.

Crucial research finds support

After losing their only child—their daughter, Olivia—to glioblastoma, Dan and Meg Kresach founded the nonprofit organization BrainUp. The group’s mission is to bring awareness to brain cancer by not only supporting ongoing investigative research, but also reassuring patients and families that they are not alone in their battles.

The Kresachs presented a check for $175,000 to Dr. Yamini to support his ongoing brain cancer research at UChicago Medicine. “Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain tumor and unfortunately the most common as well,” said Dr. Yamini. The average length of survival for a patient with glioblastoma is approximately one year.

“The Kresach family is deeply invested in the organization on a personal level,” said Dr. Yamini. His own dedication to bringing a cancer cure closer to fruition through rigorous research has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Yamini is also a recipient of the Olivia Kresach Medal of Excellence Award.

This type of support is extremely beneficial to patients on the South Side of Chicago who don’t always have the resources to get the treatment they need.

Repurposing a familiar therapy

Dr. Yamini’s research into glioblastoma looks for ways to refine the treatment of malignant brain tumors. “We identified a molecule that, when present, makes the tumor more resistant. The way to block that molecule is by use of a common drug, Diamox, which is used for altitude sickness,” he said. His clinical trial has repurposed Diamox for the treatment of brain tumors. During the trial, patients take the drug a couple of times a day and cocktail it with their regular chemotherapy. “The hope is that taking Diamox will enhance the efficacy of brain tumor treatment by reducing the cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy,” he explained. “It’s a very well-tolerated drug.” Dr. Yamini noted that he uses it sometimes himself when hiking in the mountains.

With active support comes quality longevity

“Any kind of support group is a large factor in patient survival, as well as quality of life,” said Dr. Yamini. BrainUp goes a long way in providing that support by helping patients and families understand how to navigate multifaceted treatment options.

BrainUp also fosters community involvement by holding fundraising events such as the annual 5K Run/Walk. Patients, families, friends, physicians and healthcare providers from all over the Chicagoland area gather to raise awareness about the importance of research and new discoveries, and also to celebrate life, all while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for brain cancer research.

Dr. Yamini and Dr. Pillainayagam being presented the 2019 Olivia Kresach Medal of Excellence Awards from BrainUp.

Through the work of dedicated physicians like Dr. Yamini and organizations like BrainUp, the hope is to not only increase life expectancy, but to increase quality of life and, one day, to find a cure.

Collaborators who care

UChicago Medicine is a world-renowned institution composed of steadfast physicians and researchers such as Dr. Yamini, committed to serving the vibrant community that surrounds it. “Brain cancer can affect anyone, anywhere,” said Dr. Yamini. “Having such a rare gem within reach provides accessibility, which is vital for continuous multidisciplinary care, and plays a huge role in fighting this aggressive disease.”