Medical Neuro-Oncology
Medical neuro-oncology participates in the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain tumors and neurological complications of cancer. High-dose chemotherapy treatments are necessary for certain types of tumors because they allow penetration through the blood-brain barrier. This requires an inpatient setting.

When cancer spreads into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), we provide protocols for treatments with injections of chemotherapy. This is accomplished by using a port placed under the scalp, called the Ommaya reservoir, which permits easy and painless access. This is performed on an outpatient basis.

Each case is thoroughly reviewed weekly by our comprehensive brain tumor board for appropriate patient management decisions.

The department also offers neuro-oncology patients the chance to participate in clinical trials from the Minority Based Community Clinical Oncology Program (MB-CCOP) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). These trials are directed at discovering new methods and techniques for cause, prevention, and cure for neuro-onocological disorders as well as finding improved ways to deliver the care needed to give patients a better quality of life.

In addition to MBCCOP trials, patients can also participate in investigator-initiated clinical trials for brain tumors and metatastic disease.

Surgical Neuro-Oncology - MCG Neurosurgery homepage

Gamma Knife - MCG Gamma Knife homepage

Radiation Therapy - MCG Radiation Therapy Department homepage