Brain Cancers & Brain Tumor Care

Brain tumor centers provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, offering specialized services that address diagnosis, treatment, symptom management, and supportive care.

We treat a wide range of conditions, including:

References [1][2][3][4][5] below

• Gliomas (such as glioblastoma and astrocytoma)
• Meningiomas
• Ependymomas
• Central nervous system lymphomas
• Brain metastases from other cancers
• Neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis

Typical care provided includes:

• Diagnosis: Advanced imaging (MRI, PET, MR spectroscopy), biopsy, and molecular testing to guide treatment. References [3][8] below
• Treatment may include:
  References [1][3] below
  
  • Surgery (maximal safe resection when feasible)
  • Radiation therapy (including stereotactic radiosurgery and whole-brain radiotherapy)
  • Chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide for glioblastoma)
  • Targeted therapies and clinical trials may be available for select patients
• Symptom management: Control of seizures, headaches, edema (often with corticosteroids), neurocognitive symptoms, and pain. Rehabilitation and supportive therapies are integrated throughout care. References [1][4][7] below
• Follow-up and surveillance: Regular imaging and clinical assessments to monitor for recurrence or progression, and management of treatment-related side effects. Reference [1] below
• Supportive and palliative care: Early integration of palliative care and psychosocial support to optimize quality of life. References [1][7] below

Multidisciplinary tumor boards and coordinated care are strongly recommended, as they improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, access to clinical trials, and overall patient outcomes. References [1][6] below

Brain tumor centers are equipped to provide the latest therapies and individualized care, ensuring that patients receive expert management for these complex conditions.

Specialists involved typically include:

• Neurosurgeons (for biopsy and tumor removal)
• Neuro-oncologists and medical oncologists (for chemotherapy and systemic therapy)
• Radiation oncologists (for radiotherapy planning and delivery)
• Neurologists (for symptom management)
• Neuroradiologists (for advanced imaging and diagnosis)
• Neuropathologists (for tissue diagnosis and molecular profiling)
• Allied health professionals:
  References [1][6][7] below
  • Rehabilitation medicine
  • Physical/occupational/speech therapists
  • Pain specialists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Palliative care providers

References

1. Central Nervous System Cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Updated 2025-08-28.
2. Brain Tumors. McFaline-Figueroa JR, Lee EQ. The American Journal of Medicine. 2018;131(8):874-882. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.12.039.
3. Glioblastoma and Other Primary Brain Malignancies in Adults: A Review. Schaff LR, Mellinghoff IK. JAMA. 2023;329(7):574-587. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.0023.
4. Primary Brain Tumors in Adults: Diagnosis and Treatment. Perkins A, Liu G. American Family Physician. 2016;93(3):211-7.
5. Central Nervous System Tumors. Buckner JC, Brown PD, O'Neill BP, et al. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2007;82(10):1271-86. doi:10.4065/82.10.1271.
6. The Role of Tumor Board Conferences in Neuro-Oncology: A Nationwide Provider Survey. Snyder J, Schultz L, Walbert T. Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 2017;133(1):1-7. doi:10.1007/s11060-017-2416-x.
7. Brain Tumors. Peterson K. Neurologic Clinics. 2001;19(4):887-902. doi:10.1016/s0733-8619(05)70052-9.
8. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Brain Tumors. Ivanidze J, Shih RY, Utukuri PS, et al. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR. 2025;22(5S):S108-S135. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2025.02.036.