Neuro Oncology Department
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What Does Our Neuro Oncology Department Do?

The Neuro Oncology Department provides comprehensive, integrated care for all tumors affecting the brain, spine, and central nervous system (CNS), including Primary brain tumors and Brain Metastases. As treatment for these conditions is uniquely complex, our specialists—Neurosurgeons, Neuro-Oncologists, and Neuro-Radiation Oncologists—work as one team. We utilize revolutionary techniques like Awake Craniotomy, Fluorescence-Guided Surgery, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and neuromonitoring to maximize tumor removal while rigorously preserving critical neurological functions like speech and motor skills.

Neuro-oncology is a highly specialized discipline dedicated to managing malignancies within the delicate nervous system. Our department's primary role is to serve as the "quarterback" for your care, coordinating the intricate combination of surgery, radiation, and drug therapies required to treat CNS tumors, along with non oncologic situation as well.

Core Scope and Mission:

Personalized Precision

We understand that every brain and spinal tumor is unique. Our approach begins with advanced Molecular and Genetic Testing to classify the tumor (e.g., IDH-mutation status) and identify specific vulnerabilities, allowing for Precision Oncology—treatment tailored to your tumor's exact biology.

Functional Preservation

The paramount goal is achieving optimal tumor removal while preserving neurological function. We are committed to minimizing the long-term impact on your cognitive abilities, motor skills, and quality of life.

Treating Complexity

We provide expert management for both primary tumors (originating in the CNS) and metastatic tumors (cancer that has spread to the brain or spine from elsewhere in the body).

Comprehensive Services: Advanced Surgical and Therapeutic Technologies

We deploy the latest, State-of-the-Art technologies and techniques to treat tumors with pinpoint accuracy.

Awake Craniotomy & Functional Mapping with Neuromonitoring

Neurosurgical procedure used for tumors located near eloquent brain areas (controlling speech or movement). The patient is briefly awakened during surgery so the surgical team can monitor and map these functions in real-time to ensure they are not damaged during tumor removal.

Surgery with Supervision: For tumors near the "control centers" for speaking or moving, the surgeon works while you are awake. You feel no pain, and the team guides the procedure by asking you questions, ensuring they protect your speech and movement while removing the maximum amount of tumor.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) & Gamma Knife

A non-invasive form of Radiation Therapy that uses highly focused beams (Gamma rays or X-rays from a LINAC) directed at the tumor with sub-millimeter precision. This high dose is delivered typically in a single session (or few sessions) to destroy the tumor.

Non-Invasive High Dose: This is often called the "non-surgical knife." We use powerful machines (like Gamma Knife) to deliver a single, extremely focused dose of radiation to the tumor. This avoids an incision, minimizes damage to healthy brain tissue, and often allows you to go home the same day.

Image-Guided Neurosurgery

Utilizes Intraoperative MRI (iMRI), Real-Time Ultrasound, and Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (e.g., 5-ALA) to enhance tumor visualization. The fluorescent dye makes malignant cells "glow" under a specialized microscope, ensuring the surgeon achieves the safest Gross Total Resection (GTR).

Real-Time Guidance: During surgery, we use special fluorescent dyes and real-time imaging (like a high-tech camera and GPS) that make the cancer cells "glow." This allows the surgeon to see the tumor edge clearly, helping to remove as much cancer as possible while protecting critical brain structures.

Targeted & Systemic Therapy

Chemotherapeutic and novel agents designed to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Includes Targeted Therapy based on molecular markers (e.g., for IDH-mutant gliomas) and innovative Immunotherapy approaches (checkpoint inhibitors and dedicated neuro-oncology clinical trials).

Crossing the Barrier: The brain is protected by a natural barrier. Our doctors specialize in selecting and delivering drugs that cross this barrier to attack the tumor, using the latest precision medicine to personalize your treatment.

Why Choose Our Neuro Oncology Department?

A. Integrated Expertise and Collaboration

The Multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology Team

Our team integrates Neurosurgery, Neuro-Radiation, and Neuro-Medical Oncology specialists. This unique, high-volume collaboration, found at leading centers like MD Anderson and Cleveland Clinic, translates directly into sophisticated, highly coordinated and effective care planning.

Dedicated Neuro-Pathology and Neuro-Radiology

We have pathologists and radiologists who specialize in CNS diseases, providing the highest level of accuracy in tumor classification and diagnostic imaging (MRI/PET), which are essential for guiding precision therapies.

B. Comprehensive Supportive Care and Rehabilitation

Early Palliative and Symptom Management

We proactively integrate Palliative and Supportive Care specialists early in the process. We focus on managing brain tumor-specific symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, weakness and cognitive changes, ensuring the patient's comfort and quality of life are maintained throughout the disease trajectory.

Neuro-Rehabilitation

We offer dedicated rehabilitation services (Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy) tailored to address neurological deficits resulting from the tumor or treatment, supporting the patient's recovery of function and independence.

C. Leading Clinical Research Access

Translating Science into Care

Our active participation in national and international research consortia ensures that eligible patients have access to the newest clinical trials, often testing innovative drug delivery systems and novel combinations of therapy even before they are widely available.

Our Neuro Onco Surgery Specialists

Meet our expert neurosurgeons dedicated to treating brain and spine tumors with advanced surgical techniques.

Our Neurology Specialists

Meet our expert neuro-oncologists dedicated to treating brain and spine tumors with advanced therapeutic techniques.