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The Brain Tumor Unit treats all primary brain tumors and all neurologic complications of systemic cancer. The care of patients includes neurological evaluation, MRI scans and pathology review, and face-to-face discussions with neuro-oncologists to develop treatment plans. Rapid referral to other specialists is readily available, and a Brain Tumor Board reviews individual patient cases for the development of a coordinated management plan.
The Brain Tumor Unit develops and participates in clinical trials of new and innovative treatments for nervous system cancer. We provide a coordinated, compassionate team approach to patients with primary brain tumors or neurologic complications of cancer. We maintain prompt and ongoing dialogue with referring physicians to coordinate management of patient problems in the most cost-effective manner.
Diagnosis
New and returning patients with brain tumors are evaluated promptly upon contacting the program directly or being referred by a physician. Complete neuro-imaging capabilities include MRI, MRA, CT, PET, and angiography. Neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation, including visual field examination, is also available.
Treatment
We offer a multidisciplinary, or team, approach that involves dedicated neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, and neuropathologists. The neurosurgery team is experienced in all brain and spinal cord surgical approaches to brain tumors. The radiation oncologists have a state-of-the-art planning and treatment system for advanced treatment of brain tumors. Two sophisticated units for stereotactic radiosurgery are utilized. Conventional and experimental chemotherapy is available, and the program is a member of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)—two large national clinical trials collaborative groups. The Brain Tumor Board that meets monthly facilitates complex treatment decision-making.
About Stereotactic radiosurgery
Moores Cancer Center now offers this technically advanced, non-invasive brain tumor treatment that is delivered in a single day without the use of surgical incisions or invasive immobilization devices. This treatment, also known as frameless stereotactic radiosurgery, uses the Trilogy™ medical linear accelerator to send precisely focused, high-energy radiation beams directly to brain tumors – sparing the surrounding healthy tissues.
The advantages of this new treatment are numerous. It can be used to target specific tumors, as opposed to traditional whole-brain radiation which can carry the risk of delayed dementia. It’s much more comfortable for the patient, since it avoids the use of the traditional radiosurgery head frame that is screwed into the skull. Instead, the patient's head rests on a special headrest and an optical camera system makes adjustments in positioning the equipment as needed. Finally, the entire process, from physician consulation to treatment delivery, can be completed in less than a day.
To learn more about this leading-edge development in the treatment of brain tumors, contact the Moores Cancer Center at the number below.
Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |