Tag Archives: TAND

Episode 45: The 2023 International TSC Research Conference



On this episode of TSC Now, host Dan Klein recaps the 2023 International TSC Research Conference: Fueling the Future held September 7-9, 2023, in Washington, DC. The conference brought together over 200 researchers from around the world representing a wide array of specialties and the entire spectrum from basic science to clinical research.

The comprehensive three-day agenda included plenary sessions, breakout group discussions, a poster session and reception, as well as an Early Career Research Symposium during which early-stage investigators had the opportunity to report on their cutting-edge research, network, and learn about the diverse paths forward in the field of TSC research. To learn more about how the conference came together, what was discussed and what are some of the outcomes coming from those discussions Dan interviewed the two Co-Chairs of the conference.

First, Dan spoke with with Shafali Jeste, MD, (01:42) Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the USC Keck School of Medicine, and the Las Madrinas Chair, Chief of Neurology and Co-Director of the Neurological Institute at the Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. They discuss the role of the Co-Chair in the planning and execution of the conference, how bringing in outside experts create new avenues for research and collaboration, and how recent clinical trials may provide a blueprint for the standard surveillance and care for infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Next, Dan talks to Rebecca Ihrie, PhD, (14:41) Associate Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology and Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She shares how basic scientists benefit from interactions with clinical researchers and the TSC community, how new techniques cell biology may allow for more targeted drug testing and how participation in the conference by early-career researchers helps them form connections and determine their future path in research.

Learn more about the 2023 International TSC Research Conference by downloading the program book.


Episode 44: Rare Conversations



Disclaimer: This episode is sponsored by Nobelpharma America LLC. The opinions expressed are those of the host and guest speaker individually and do not reflect the policies or positions of Nobelpharma. The following content is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to recommend or suggest a course of treatment or treatment options. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and conditions.

In this episode of TSC Now, Dan learns about the findings of an adult panel hosted by Nobelpharma America on Rare Disease Day. He also connects with an adult with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who shares her story.

First, Dan chats with Justine Ravindranath, Commercial Operations Manager at Nobelpharma America (01:37). On Rare Disease Day 2023, Nobelpharma sponsored a panel discussion with a few young adults who have been diagnosed with TSC. One goal of that event was to shed light on some of the challenges young people encounter as they transition into adulthood. Justine talks about how panelists emphasized the importance of a strong support system and stability to navigate these challenges. Finally, they talk about resources available to young adults with TSC, including Face Forward with TSC, a website created by Nobelpharma America and Totally Super Cool, a children’s book about living with TSC that is available digitally on the Face Forward with TSC site.

Next, Dan connects with Iris Mustich (16:07), an adult with TSC and TSC Alliance volunteer who was awarded the Keith Hall Distinguished Leadership Award during the Volunteer Leadership Celebration earlier this year. She shares her experience growing up with TSC, connecting with other adults during the pandemic and what ultimately inspired her to volunteer. She also talks about how it felt being honored by the community, and how she applies both her lived experience and her professional background to support other adults and work to address the unmet needs of the adult community.

Resources and Links:

Sponsored by:


Episode 43: The TSC-STEPS Trial



In this episode of TSC Now, host Dan Klein dives deep on a new clinical trial in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) called TSC-STEPS. TSC-STEPS is a study to learn more about a drug known as Sirolimus and determine if it can prevent seizures and epilepsy in children diagnosed with TSC. The study is currently enrolling infants diagnosed with TSC who are at risk of developing epilepsy. \

Dan interviews Darcy Krueger, MD, PhD, Director of the TSC Center of Excellence at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and member of the TSC Alliance Board of Directors (0:59). Dr. Krueger provides an overview of the trial, the eligibility requirements, risks and benefits to participation, and what participation entails for families in terms of site visits and tests. He also discusses how the trial builds off findings of earlier intervention trials and may be part of a greater shift in the paradigm of care for those with TSC. Finally, he provides information about other upcoming and ongoing trials looking for older participants, and encourages everyone listening to help raise awareness of these important trials to help recruit participants and move research forward.

Resources and Links

 


Episode 38: Galvanizing a World TSC Community



In a special two-part episode of TSC Now, host Dan Klein recaps the 2022 World TSC Conference, which was held in Dallas, Texas July 28-31, 2022. In part one Dan talks to two inspiring and visionary leaders in the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) community.

On Thursday, July 28, during the opening of the 2022 World TSC Conference in Dallas, the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation announced a new collaboration with the TSC Alliance, working together to uncover biomarkers, test new treatments and connect researchers with families to better address TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND), which impact nearly everyone living with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The $2.5 million foundational gift is the largest single donation in the TSC Alliance’s history.

Dan first chats with Anita Bhatia, Executive Director of the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, who announced the transformational investment to the TSC community at the conference (02:25). They discuss what it was like to announce the partnership in Dallas, what motivates her family’s generosity and how she hopes this investment will accelerate research on TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) to develop new treatments and educate physicians and individuals affected by TSC so they can be better advocate for high quality care.

This new funding will create “Anya’s Accelerator,” which will focus on furthering TAND translational research. TAND includes a wide range of cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric challenges linked to the disease’s effect on brain function. The three-year “Anya’s Accelerator” research program will focus on three major goals:

  1. Developing quantifiable patient-reported outcomes for the most impactful aspects of TAND utilizing the combined expertise of individuals and families living with TSC and clinical researchers;
  2. Identifying biomarkers and predictors of specific aspects of TAND through collaborative and inclusive analysis of existing samples and data; and
  3. Improving the translatability of and testing candidate drugs in TAND-relevant animal models by incorporating biomarkers or predictors relevant to those identified in humans.

Next, Dan catches up with Pete Crino, MD, PhD, Chair of the TSC Alliance Board of Directors and the Clinic Director at the TSC Center of Excellence at the University of Maryland Medical Center (21:11). They talk about how conferences like the World TSC Conference are conduits for both the community to form new connections and get more involved in the organization, but also for researchers and clinicians to foster new collaborations and explore new avenues of research. Dr. Crino also shares why the TSC community is a vital partner in advancing TSC research and how with the support of the community and a dedicated corps of researchers and clinicians, and the infrastructure developed by the TSC community to support research, a cure for TSC is within reach.

If you weren’t able to join us in Dallas at the World TSC Conference, conference session recordings will be made available on our YouTube channel in early 2023.

Resources and Links

This podcast is sponsored by:


Episode 32: The 2022 World TSC Conference



In the first episode of TSC Now in 2022, host Dan Klein provides an overview of the upcoming 2022 World TSC Conference, co-hosted by Tuberous Sclerosis Complex International (TSCi), which will be held July 28-31, 2022 and will bring together 1,000 participants from around the globe, including families and individuals with TSC, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, a wide array of exhibitors, and others. Thank you to Title Sponsor Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Presenting Sponsor Nobelpharma for making this incredible conference possible.

Dan interviews Shelly Meitzler, Director, Community Education & Resources at the TSC Alliance® and Co-Chair of the conference about how the conference is structured, what sorts of topics will be covered, what social events are happening at the conference and how people can participate both in person and remotely. Shelly also shares why she thinks this is one of the most important events the TSC Alliance hosts and reflects on some of her favorite moments from the last World TSC Conference in 2018.

Conference registration is now open, register today! The early bird registration deadline is June 1, 2022. Also, be sure to book your room with the Hilton Anatole through our link to get our special rate.

Thanks to the generous support from the Foglia Family Foundation and the TSC Alliance Endowment Fund to the Bcureful Travel Fund, the TSC Alliance will provide a limited number of scholarships in memory of Ken Johnson to individuals or families who might otherwise not be able to attend the 2022 World TSC Conference. Scholarship applications are available hereAll applications are due by March 1, 2022.

Resources and Links:


Episode 24: Achieving Universal Health Coverage and Driving Innovative Research Through Global Collaboration



It’s the two-year anniversary of TSC Now and we’re celebrating with a new name, the TSC Alliance! If you missed our announcement on May 16, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance has changed our name to the TSC Alliance to reflect how the organization has evolved over the years and with the name change we also have a new logo, new branding and a new tagline, “Hope no matter how complex.” Learn more about this evolution.

In recognition of #TSCGlobalDay and TSC Awareness Month, host Dan Klein learns about two global collaborative projects aimed at improving the lives of those living with rare diseases around the world. First, he talks to Matt Bolz-Johnson (02:44), Programme Director of the Collaborative Global Network for Rare Diseases at Rare Diseases International (RDI), who is leading a partnership with the World Health Organization to develop the first Collaborative Global Network for Rare Diseases. RDI envisions a world where people living with a rare disease, no matter where they live, can reach a network of expertise for accurate and timely diagnosis and appropriate care and believe that to strengthen health systems to address the needs of the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease requires common strategies and action at the national, regional and global level. The TSC Alliance and the TSC Alliance of India have partnered with RDI to help advance this project and Dan and Matt discuss how advocacy organizations play a vital role in the global network model.

Then, Dan catches up with Professor Petrus de Vries, MBChB, FRCPsych, PhD, Sue Struengmann Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and Professor Anna Jansen, MD, PhD, Pediatric Neurologist at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium (18:12). Petrus and Anna are Principal and Co-Principal Investigators of the TANDem Project, an international effort to improve the lives of families dealing with TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) through the development of technology empowering families to self-administer the TAND checklist and access tools to address specific TAND manifestations. They provide an update on the project, what they’ve learned through the first year and a half working with the various clusters, and what the timeline and aims are for the future.

Thank you to everyone who has listened and supported TSC Now over the last two years, we will continue to work hard to provide entertaining and valuable content for families and individuals affected by tuberous sclerosis complex.

Resources and Links


Episode 23: Autism Spectrum Disorder in TSC and TACERN



In Episode 23 of TSC Now, host Dan Klein recognizes World Autism Month and Autism Acceptance Month by learning more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). ASD occurs in nearly 50% of children with TSC, significantly higher the rate in the general population (roughly 1% worldwide). Additionally, there is a very clear link between ASD and cognitive impairment in TSC.

To better understand the connection between autism and TSC, and how ongoing research can help expand our knowledge of autism not just in TSC, but more generally, Dan spoke to Mustafa Sahin, MD, PhD, (02:11) Director of both the Translational Neuroscience Center and the Multi-Disciplinary Tuberous Sclerosis Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sahin is one of the Principal Investigators of the TSC Autism Center of Excellence Research Network, otherwise known as TACERN. TACERN is a coalition of five research hospitals: Boston Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of California at Los Angeles and University of Texas at Houston. The group was formed in 2012 and received a grant from the NIH to better understand autism in TSC and to identify potential biomarkers that could predict what children were at higher risk of cognitive manifestations. From that initial grant 80 papers have been published on a wide range of discoveries in TSC. Dr. Sahin shares some of the discoveries from the last decade, how discoveries made in autism in TSC have wider implications for autism in general, the current progress on identifying biomarkers, and what questions remain.

Finally, we are officially two weeks away from the Step Forward to Cure TSC® Global Virtual Walk-Run-Ride on May 15 and 16, coinciding with TSC Global Awareness Day. This historic, world-wide event will bring together thousands of people from across the globe, all working together to champion the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance’s efforts to fund groundbreaking research, offer critically needed support programs and increase awareness. Our goal is to raise $700,000 toward that mission, and there is still time for you to donate, register and fundraise to help us hit that goal. However you participate, your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of everyone with TSC. Learn the many ways you can get involved at www.stepforwardtocuretsc.org. Thank you to both the National and Local sponsors for championing this amazing event!

National Sponsors

Local Sponsors

Resources and Links


Episode 15: Managing Behaviors During COVID-19 (Part 2) + A New Partnership with SeizureTracker



In episode 15 of TSC Now, host Dan Klein continues exploring how to manage harmful and disruptive behaviors associated with TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Then he explores a new partnership between the TS Alliance and SeizureTracker and how it’s advancing both our understanding of TSC and epilepsy.

First, Dan talks with Tanjala Gipson, MD, Director of the TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Director of the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Clinic at the Boling Center for Disabilities (01:20). She discusses what factors about the pandemic are causing TAND-related behaviors to be more frequent and severe, how parents can begin to address these behaviors, and what parents should do to manage their own anxiety and prepare for an extended period of time at home during the pandemic. She also answers questions from parents about how to deal with sleeplessness, emotional outbursts, and transitioning from one activity to another. See below for more TAND and COVID-related resources.

Then Dan chats with Rob Moss, creator and co-founder of SeizureTracker.com, and Gabrielle Rushing, PhD, Associate Director of Research at the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (24:33). They discuss a new data sharing partnership that will allow SeizureTracker users to connect their seizure data with the TS Alliance Natural History Database, how individuals with TSC can participate in the TSC Biosample Repository Project, and the role patients and patient-reported outcomes play in research and our understanding of TSC and epilepsy. They also talk about how SeizureTracker and the Natural History Database and TSC Biosample Repository are moving research forward and how these tools will continue to evolve in the future. Learn more about how you or your loved one can participate in the TSC Biosample Repository Project.

Resources
TS Alliance TAND web page featuring recordings of TAND webinars: https://www.tsalliance.org/about-tsc/signs-and-symptoms-of-tsc/brain-and-neurological-function/tand/
Managing Anxiety During COVID-19 Webinar Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4rHD0Zhdpc
TS Alliance COVID-19 & TSC Resources: https://www.tsalliance.org/individuals-families/covid-19/
TAND 101: The TAND Checklist Webinar Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXO9MopLg9k&feature=emb_logo

TS Alliance and SeizureTracker Partnership Announcement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tuberous-sclerosis-alliance-and-seizure-tracker-partner-to-promote-data-sharing-and-biosample-collection-301079871.html?tc=eml_cleartime
Seizures and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex web page on SeizureTracker.com: https://www.seizuretracker.com/SeizureSuccess/TSC_Tuberous-Sclerosis-Complex/
TSC Biosample Repository and Natural History Database web page: https://www.tsalliance.org/individuals-families/biosample-repository-and-natural-history-database/


Episode 14: Managing Aggressive and Harmful Behaviors During COVID-19 (Part 1)



In episode 14 of TSC Now, host Dan Klein begins the first of an important two-part discussion focused on how parents can begin to address aggressive and harmful behaviors associated with TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND), while continuing to shelter at home during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For part one of this conversation, Dan is joined by Nathan Call, PhD, BCBA-D, Clinical Director at the Marcus Autism Center and Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. They talk about how the pandemic has created a perfect storm of altered routines, restrictions and barriers to specialists that can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of behaviors. Dr. Call also shares the importance of prioritizing what behaviors to address and being flexible with the uncertainty. Finally, Dr. Call talks about some of the barriers preventing families from getting access to behavioral specialists and medication to manage their kid’s behaviors.

The TS Alliance is always here to provide support to parents who are dealing with challenging behaviors or are in crisis. You can call us toll free at (800) 225-6872. Be sure to also check out our website for more information on TAND.

Resources
TS Alliance TAND web page featuring recordings of TAND webinars: https://www.tsalliance.org/about-tsc/signs-and-symptoms-of-tsc/brain-and-neurological-function/tand/
How to Manage Disruptive and Harmful Behavior During COVID-19 Interview with Dr. Call courtesy of the Child Neurology Foundation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=688&v=m8tL2xad5i8&feature=emb_logo
Webinar on Effective Behavioral Treatments for TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) Issues in TSC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5MWX7VEni4&feature=emb_logo


Episode 12: Living with TSC During COVID-19



In episode 12 of TSC Now, host Dan Klein does a deep dive on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) community. Throughout the episode he shares resources the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TS Alliance) has developed to support the community during the pandemic, and plays clips from past webinars hosted by the TS Alliance and our partner advocacy organizations. He also interviews two guests to better understand how COVID-19 is affecting both individuals and families and TSC clinics.

First he speaks with Laura Lubbers, PhD (3:50), Chief Scientific Officer at Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE). Laura’s sister Ellyn is an adult with TSC and was taken to the hospital earlier this month when she developed a fever and later tested positive for COVID-19. Laura shares about what that experience was like and how she helped coordinate Ellyn’s care remotely. Fore more resources from CURE visit: https://www.cureepilepsy.org/for-patients/covid-19-and-epilepsy/.

Next, he speaks to Karen Agricola, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC (21:20), a family nurse practitioner and coordinator at The Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She shares how the clinic has adapted care during the pandemic and offers advice on how to stay safe and utilize telemedicine to maintain care. 

Dan closes out the episode by playing a clip of TS Alliance President and CEO Kari Luther Rosbeck (37:30), who introduces our TSC Awareness Month of Caring and shares how you can support the TS Alliance throughout the month of May.

Finally, be sure to join us for our next Virtual Town Hall on Friday, May 1: “Accessibility to Treatments During COVID-19,” co-sponsored by the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Foundation and Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. You can register now here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0of-ipqT4iE9KhuijP08JP9wL3j-_tmRzO

Resources and Links:

This episode was sponsored by:

       


Episode 9: The State of the TS Alliance



In episode 9 of TSC Now, host Dan Klein talks to Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Kari Luther Rosbeck. They discuss her favorite memories from the organization’s 45th anniversary year in 2019, the major goals and initiatives for the organization in 2020, the newest members of the team, and upcoming events at the TS Alliance. Be sure to sign up for the TS Alliance bimonthly e-newsletter, TSC Matters, to stay up-to-date on everything going on at the TS Alliance throughout the year. You can subscribe to TSC Matters at https://www.tsalliance.org/tsc-matters/.

Want to submit a future episode topic for consideration? Send us an email at tscnow@tsalliance.org.

Upcoming Events

  • March on Capitol Hill, TS Alliance Board and Endowment Board Meeting, and Volunteer Leadership Summit – March 3-5, 2020 in Washington, DC.
  • First Step Forward to Cure TSC Walk – Saturday, April 4, 2020 in AZ.
  • Comedy for a Cure 2020 – Sunday, April 5, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more: https://tsalliance.schoolauction.net/comedy2020/
  • Sound Bites Minnesota – Friday, May 8, 2020 in Golden Valley, MN.
  • Newborn Screening Workshop – June 2-3, 2020 in Silver Spring, MD.
  • Regional TSC & Lam Conferences (dates tentative and subject to change)
    • June 20, 2020 – Memphis, TN
    • September 26, 2020 – Gainesville, FL
    • October 24, 2020 – Denver, CO

Resources and Links:


Episode 6: TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND)



In episode 6 of TSCnow, host Dan Klein talks to Petrus de Vries, MBChB, MRCPsych, PhD, Sue Struengmann Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Capetown in South Africa. They discuss tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, otherwise known as TAND. TAND refers to a whole spectrum of neurological manifestations of TSC, including aggressive behaviors, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disorders, neuropsychological deficits, as well as school and occupational difficulties. Most people with TSC suffer from one or several of these manifestations and it is often one of the most impacting aspect of the disease for both children and adults affected. They talk about the six levels of TAND (behavioral, intellectual, neuropsychological, psychiatric, academic and psychosocial) and the different manifestations people experience within each level. He also talks about the challenges families and caregivers face when seeking treatment for these manifestations.

In response to the growing need of those affected, Dr. de Vries shares how he worked with other experts at the 2012 Consensus Conference to develop the TAND checklist, a tool to help clinicians identify what aspects of TAND a person is struggling with and develop a personal profile for those affected, and the corresponding consensus guidelines for when and how to use the checklist. He also discusses that, while no two people are affected the same and this uniqueness poses significant challenges for diagnosis and intervention, recent research suggests that there are several TAND “clusters” that those affected generally fall into.

Finally, Dr. de Vries discusses the TANDem Project, an international collaboration of families affected by TSC, researchers and clinicians to provide scientific evidence for greater TAND intervention and treatment. The project is being headed by Drs. de Vries and Anna Jansen at UZ Brussels.

To learn more about TAND visit: www.tsalliance.org/tand

To download the TAND Checklist visit: https://bit.ly/2ObP3wn

To learn more about TAND clusters visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29530301

Learn more about the TANDem project here: https://bit.ly/2MkQyqy


Episode 3: The 2019 International TSC Research Conference



In the third episode of TSC Now, host Dan Klein, Director of Digital Platforms for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, talks to the two co-chairs of the 2019 International TSC Research Conference: Changing the Course of TSC. Continue reading Episode 3: The 2019 International TSC Research Conference