I Am in Need of Medical Treatment for a Brain or Spinal Tumor

Some people with tumors of the brain and spinal cord respond to anticancer medications such as temozolomide for gliomas or chemotherapy wafers placed directly in the brain at the time of surgery. During biopsy or brain tumor surgery, brain tissue is removed and sent to a neuropathologist, who examines the tissue for specific protein and gene changes in the tumor.

Our neuro-oncologists use the results of this testing to match patients with the agents that are most likely to have an anticancer effect, based on the tumor’s biological features. Patients who aren’t candidates for medical treatment or radiation therapy may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial of a promising investigational therapy.