Fred Chiu-Lai Lam

All Publications

• Coexisting sellar Rathke cleft cyst and planum sphenoidale meningioma: illustrative case. Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons Akhavan-Sigari, A., Park, D. J., Harary, P. M., Chivakula, M., Theodros, D., Bharani, K. L., Hori, Y. S., Persad, A. R., Lam, F. C., Emrich, S. C., Ustrzynski, L., Tayag, A., Chang, S. D. 2025; 9 (3)

  Abstract

  The co-occurrence of Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) and meningiomas in the sellar and parasellar regions represents an exceedingly rare clinical entity. Achieving maximal resection through a single operative approach while minimizing adverse events is challenging, often necessitating multiple surgical approaches, as suggested by previous reports.The authors report the case of a 49-year-old female with a history of kidney transplant who presented with headaches and was diagnosed with coexisting RCC and meningioma in the sellar and planum sphenoidale regions, respectively. Given the prolonged, refractory nature of her symptoms and based on her treatment preferences, a two-stage surgical approach was planned. This involved an endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach followed by a right craniotomy to achieve maximal tumor resection while minimizing potential complications. No residual disease or tumor remnants were present at the 6-month follow-up. The pituitary gland was preserved, and the patient's preoperative symptoms had fully resolved.The preoperative diagnosis of concurrent skull base tumors is essential for effective management planning and determining the optimal surgical approach. The proximity of these tumors to critical neurovascular structures necessitates meticulous surgical planning to minimize adverse effects while ensuring maximal tumor resection. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24551.

  View details for DOI 10.3171/CASE24551

  View details for PubMedID 39832313

• "Beyond the Knife"-Applying Theranostic Technologies to Enhance Outcomes in Neurosurgical Oncology. Brain sciences Guru, S., Lam, F. C., Akhavan-Sigari, A., Hori, Y. S., AbuReesh, D., Tayag, A., Emrich, S. C., Ustrzynski, L., Park, D. J., Chang, S. D. 2024; 14 (12)

  Abstract

  The current standard of care for brain tumor management includes maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Recent advances in image-guided surgical techniques have enhanced the precision of tumor resections, yet there remains a critical need for innovative technologies to further improve patient outcomes. Techniques such as fluorescence image-guided neurosurgery in combination with stereotactic radiosurgery have improved outcomes for patients with brain tumors. In this article for Brain Science's Special Issue Recent Advances in Translational Neuro-Oncology, we review the use of image-guided neurosurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of brain tumors. In addition, we summarize the emerging use of theranostic nanoparticles for the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to enable the neurosurgeon to perform more precise surgical resections in the operating room, to specifically target the delivery of existing and novel treatments to tumor cells, and to augment the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery. These innovative translational tools will allow neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and radiation oncologists to go "beyond the knife" to improve the survival of brain tumor patients.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/brainsci14121253

  View details for PubMedID 39766452

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11674837

• "Beyond the Knife"-Applying Theranostic Technologies to Enhance Outcomes in Neurosurgical Oncology BRAIN SCIENCES Guru, S., Lam, F. C., Akhavan-Sigari, A., Hori, Y. S., Abureesh, D., Tayag, A., Emrich, S. C., Ustrzynski, L., Park, D. J., Chang, S. D. 2024; 14 (12)

  View details for DOI 10.3390/brainsci14121253

  View details for Web of Science ID 001386741300001