Center for Neuro-Oncology

Treatment for brain cancers is complex, and treatment planning requires involvement and coordination among many subspecialists. That's why we take a multidisciplinary approach to developing a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your type of cancer. Through our multidisciplinary clinic, you meet with a team of specialists, as a group, to develop an individualized treatment plan that works for your needs. The multidisciplinary team involved in coordination of your care includes specialists in:

• Neuro-imaging: We use the most advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including functional MRI, perfusion and diffusion MRI, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to perform imaging of the brain and spinal cord. We also use computerized tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans.
• Neuro-oncology: Our neuro-oncologists evaluate the appropriate chemotherapy for your type of cancer. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy. Treatments range from standard chemotherapy to use of anti-angiogenic agents (which target the blood vessels feeding the tumor), and new molecular agents available through clinical trials.
• Neurosurgery: Our neurosurgeons use advanced technologies to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving the surrounding brain tissue. These techniques include a revolutionary open-style MRI scanner that allows the neurosurgeon to see MRI images in real time during surgery. This intra-operative MRI can help the neurosurgeon remove the tumor more precisely, reducing the risk of damage to other parts of the brain.
  Other surgical technologies include the use of 3-D navigation systems that allow neurosurgeons to precisely locate deep-seated or small brain tumors; monitor speech, motor or visual functions during surgery; and observe delicate cranial nerve functions.
• Radiation therapy: Our highly experienced team of neuro-radiation oncologists use 3-D conformal radiation, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), rotational RapidArc^TM Therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy capabilities (SRT) to individualize a treatment plan for you.
• Neuropsychology: Patients can work with our neuropsychologist to evaluate concerns about cognitive functioning as a result of their cancer or cancer treatment.
  
  

Other Ways We Support You

We understand that cancer affects patients and their families in many ways. In addition to clinical care, we offer a wide range of services and supports to help you and your family manage your experience with cancer treatment and survivorship, including:

• financial planning
• complementary therapies
• spiritual counseling
• nutrition services
• palliative care
• support groups for brain tumor patients and families
• resources for cancer survivors
• social workers,  psychiatrists and psychologists, and resources for parents