As the region's only comprehensive brain tumor program, we provide a compassionate team approach to patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, as well as neurologic complications of cancer.
Nationally Ranked Care for Brain Tumors
UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the nation's best for both cancer care and neurology & 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 we treat are:
Diagnosing Brain Tumors
We provide fast and accurate diagnoses with the most advanced imaging techniques designed specifically for brain tumors. This allows us to give you the treatment you need faster.
Comprehensive, Personalized Treatments
At UC San Diego Health, you’ll find specialists who work together to understand your disease and to develop a treatment strategy that is unique to you. You will consultations with neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and neuro-oncologists to develop a coordinated, customized treatment plan. In addition, our national and international experts meet weekly to review complex cases.
We offer the most advanced and precise treatment options in the San Diego region, including:
- Molecular and genetic testing to analyze tumors and customize cancer treatments. See Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy.
- Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), a minimally invasive laser surgery
- Interoperative MRI (real-time monitoring during surgery)
- Image-guided, frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with pinpoint accuracy
- Access to proton radiotherapy that allows for unique sparing of normal tissue
- Advanced neuroimaging
- Personalized medicine with targeted drug therapy
- Clinical trials
A Team Approach
We collaborate with you to deliver world-class care in a compassionate, supportive environment. Our care team includes renowned experts who help develop and write the national guidelines for brain tumor and brain cancer care.
Second Opinions and Video Visits
Neurosurgery Second Opinions
If you've received a diagnosis that requires neurosurgery and would like one of our neurosurgeons to review your X-rays and other imaging studies, UC San Diego Health offers online imaging reviews.
Cancer Care Second Opinions
A second opinion and comprehensive review of all your cancer care options can give you peace of mind.
We also offer convenient video visits with providers as appropriate for patients who are unable visit in person.
Clinical Trials for Brain Tumors
Clinical trials can offer new treatment approaches that are not otherwise available.
As San Diego's only academic health center, we provide access to pioneering clinical trials, including:
- Immunotherapy
- Anti-tumor virus therapy
- Vaccine therapy
- Drug therapy
- Surgical techniques
- Precision-based, cognitive-sparing radiation techniques
Patient and Family Support 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.
Video: Brain Cancer Surgery Gives Patient Her Life Back
Sabrina Leamon was diagnosed with a slow-growing brain cancer called a grade II diffuse glioma. Her personalized surgery at UC San Diego Health relieved her anxiety and seizures, and restored her life at age 24.