Brain Cancer Patient Support Services in the Cleveland Area
Wide Variety of Support Services for Brain Cancer Patients
The Brain Tumor & Neuro-Oncology Center at University Hospitals Neurological Institute offers several specialized programs to ensure the most effective diagnosis and treatment.
Benign Brain Tumor Program
This program incorporates minimally invasive and image-guided procedures to treat and often cure benign tumors of the brain, including endoscopic, skull base and radiosurgical techniques.
Malignant Brain Tumor Program
When tumors are life-threatening, this program offers patients and referring physicians an opportunity to try innovative therapies. This includes new surgical techniques and technology as well as advanced therapeutic agents.
We also offer access to surgical clinical trials, which involve studying minimally invasive laser interstitial therapy with real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging of tumors magnetic resonance-guided resection, and other new imaging methods.
In addition, we offer the following novel therapies:
- Tumor vaccines (immunotherapy)
- Targeting tumor stem cells
- Using hematopoietic stem cells to minimize chemotherapy complications
- Advanced chemotherapy with anti-angiogenic measures, which prevent tumors from developing new blood vessels
Metastatic Brain Tumor Program
When a cancerous tumor is spreading, our goal is to optimize the outcome for the patient while minimizing risk. Treatment includes robotic radiosurgery techniques like Gamma Knife, as well as other advanced procedures.
Skull Base Surgery Program
In this program, a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and radiation oncologists employs minimally invasive, image-guided and radiosurgical techniques to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Pituitary/Neuro-Endocrine Program
This program brings together a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, skull base surgeons, radiation oncologists and endocrinologists. They employ a team approach to diagnose and treat diseases of the pituitary gland and neuro-endocrine system, glands that affect the brain and nervous system.
Neurofibromatosis 2 Program
The UH Neurofibromatosis 2 Center is comprised of a multidisciplinary group of surgeons and specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, oncology, otolaryngology and genetics. Our team also includes specialists and subspecialists in all related areas, including radiology, ophthalmology and radiation therapy, as well as various supporting services. We offer standard and innovative treatment options including management through medication, radiation or surgery. Hearing rehabilitation using auditory brainstem implants (ABI) or cochlear implantation (when appropriate) also are available. Because NF2 can impact hearing, patients and families may have difficulty coping with this disorder. To help increase their understanding and make them more comfortable, we provide information about treatment options, keep them updated on the patient’s progress and encourage them to ask questions. The goal is to help patients heal both medically and emotionally, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Spine Tumor Program
Our radiation oncologists, spinal surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, orthotics and rehabilitation specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, cysts and other spinal neoplasms.