Medical Management of Brain Tumors
For some patients with brain or spinal cord tumors, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required in addition to surgery.
Chemotherapy is the use of one drug or a combination of drugs to kill cancer cells. In malignant brain tumors, chemotherapy is typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. The chemotherapy used to treat the cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy is given in an outpatient setting. It can sometimes be taken by mouth or may be given intravenously.
Radiation Therapy uses a beam of energy to destroy cancer cells while healthy cells are protected as much as possible. Our team collaborates closely with our radiation oncology colleagues to provide our patients access to state-of-the-art radiation technology. Through our collaboration with University Medical Center, our patients have access to the Novalis Shaped Beam Unit, which allows pinpoint delivery of radiation to the tumor.
Targeted Cancer Therapies have been developed in recent years to impact the way cancer cells grow and spread on a molecular level. In 2009, bevacizumab (Avastin®) was the first of these medications to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma— a type of brain tumor— in patients whose cancer has continued to progress after chemotherapy and radiation. Other targeted therapies are currently being tested in the treatment of brain tumors.
Clinical Trials
Our team of highly trained specialists is dedicated to finding cures and is committed to the compassionate care of patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. We work with our patients to ensure they have access to the most promising experimental treatments.