The Los Angeles City Council recognized the USC Brain Tumor Center in observance of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, spotlighting multidisciplinary care, clinical trials and research aimed at better treatments for brain tumors.

Why it matters: Brain tumors can be life-altering and research funding supports clinical trials, personalized therapies and patient navigation services that the USC team described as vital for care and outcomes.

What the council heard: Councilmember Nazarian introduced the USC team and a short video that explained the center's one-day coordinated appointments, nurse navigation and an expanding clinical trials portfolio. Dr. Gabriel Zeta, director of the center, said the program treats patients from safety-net hospitals as well as private referrals and emphasized the need for better therapies.

"When you're running a city one day and the next day you or a loved one is diagnosed with a brain tumor... it takes a team effort to take care of patients and caregivers who are struggling with these life changing diseases," Dr. Zeta said. Dr. Josh Nieman, scientific director, noted the challenges researchers face amid funding cuts and said the recognition helps advocacy for sustained research investment.

Council response: Members thanked the medical team and praised the center's mix of clinical care and research. The council presented a resolution acknowledging the center's work and urged continued awareness and support.

Ending: The council encouraged public awareness for Brain Tumor Awareness Month and recognized the center's role in advancing therapies and patient support in Los Angeles and beyond.