Brain Tumor Program

At UC San Diego Health, you find comprehensive, compassionate care for primary and metastatic brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer.

We're the region's only comprehensive brain tumor program.

Nationally Ranked Care for Brain Tumors

UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the nation's best for both cancer care and neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you'll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.

Types of Brain Tumors We Treat

Your UC San Diego Health care team treats all types and stages of brain tumors. The most common tumors are:

Glioma (including astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and oligoastrocytoma)
Glioblastoma
Metastatic brain tumors
Pituitary tumors
Acoustic neuroma
Meningioma
Pineal tumors

Diagnosing Brain Tumors

You receive a fast and accurate diagnosis with the most advanced imaging techniques designed specifically for brain tumors. This helps us deliver the treatment you need without delay.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatments

At UC San Diego Health, you’ll find specialists who work together to understand your disease and develop a treatment strategy that is unique to you. We offer the most advanced and precise treatment options in the San Diego region.

Advanced neuroimaging

Image-guided, frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with pinpoint accuracy

Interoperative MRI (real-time monitoring during surgery)

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), a minimally invasive laser surgery

Molecular and genetic testing to analyze tumors and customize cancer treatments

Personalized medicine with targeted drug therapy

Proton radiotherapy that allows for unique sparing of normal tissue

Second Opinions & Video Visits

We offer second opinions on your cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. If you're unable to visit us in person, you may be able to schedule a convenient video visit with a provider.

Second Opinions for Cancer Treatment

Video Visits

Brain Tumor Doctors & Surgeons

At UC San Diego Health, your cancer care is led by a multidisciplinary team of doctors who specialize in your type of cancer and help develop the guidelines for brain tumor and brain cancer care nationally. We also have the only board-certified specialists in adult neuro-oncology in San Diego County. Highly specialized multidisciplinary care is a hallmark of top-tier academic medical centers such as UC San Diego Health. For patients like you, it means you receive the highest level of care. Find a provider with expertise in diagnosing and treating brain tumors.

Neuro-oncologist

Neurosurgeons

Radiation oncologists

Neuropsychologists

Neuroradiologists

Neuropathologist

Brain Cancer Surgery Gives Patient Her Life Back

Clinical Trials for Brain Tumors

Advancing Cancer Care

Clinical trials offer early access to the most promising new treatment approaches. As San Diego's only academic health center, we are at the forefront of advancing cancer treatment with immunotherapy, anti-tumor virus therapy, vaccine therapy, drug therapy, advanced surgical techniques, and precision-based cognitive-sparing radiation therapy.

Find a Clinical Trial

Patient & Family Supportive Services

At UC San Diego Health, your care goes beyond treating disease. It also includes supporting you and your loved ones emotionally during your cancer journey. Most of our support services are free.

Browse All Supportive Services

Counseling & Therapy

Support Groups & Classes

Nutrition Counseling & Classes

Financial Counseling