The Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Program combines members
of the divisions of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology, and
the Departments of Neurology and Internal Medicine to offer
multimodality treatment of primary and metastatic brain and
spinal cord tumors. This treatment includes not only
standard surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy regimens but
also participation in national investigational protocols.
When a patient has been diagnosed with a brain or spinal
cord tumor, he or she may be referred to one of the staff
physicians from the above four departments. Upon referral,
an initial visit is arranged, and an evaluation plan is
developed to meet the needs of the individual. Most
diagnostic studies are completed during a one-day visit,
during which a tentative treatment plan is discussed with
the patient. The final recommendation is made after further
deliberations by physicians and appropriate consultants. New
patients are requested to bring all x-rays and pathologic
slide specimens (favorable) for review.
Services
Neurosurgery, full service radiation therapy, and a
complete range of chemotherapy are available with
collaboration from appropriate specialists in other areas.
Available surgical procedures include resection of brain and
spinal cord tumors, brachythe rapy with I125 radioactive
seeds, radiosurgery for primary and metastatic brain tumors,
and stereotactic biopsies. Radiation therapy techniques
include external and focused beam radiation with one of
three linear accelerators using state-of-the-art
computerized dosimetry planning. Chemotherapy regimens
include the protocols of nationwide studies funded by the
National Institutes of Health. University Hospitals'
Division of Neurosurgery is one of fourteen centers
participating in the Brain Tumor Cooperative Group, one of
the largest groups in the United States for the treatment of
patients with brain tumors. University Hospital's Division
of Neuro-Oncology is a participant in the National Central
Nervous System Tumor Consortium, one of the biggest groups
in the United States for the treatment of patients with
brain tumors.
Select from the following for additional brain and
brain tumor literature:
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