Department of Radiation Oncology
Central Nervous System & Brain Cancer

There are a large variety of brain cancers: some develop within the brain itself (primary brain tumors), and others enter from another cancer outside of the brain (brain metastases).  Additionally, some benign tumors such as meningiomas and schwannomas develop from the lining of the brain or nerves.  These malignant and benign tumors may cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, as well as other neurologic symptoms such as weakness, numbness, loss of hearing, vision changes, difficulty with speech and more.

Novalis 6MV BrainLab MicrocollimatorThe treatment of brain tumors is highly individualized – depending on tumor type, location and size. At Jefferson we pride ourselves on a strong interdisciplinary clinic staffed by radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists. Physicians have at their disposal the latest technologies to deliver external beam radiation therapy as well as radiosurgery and fractionated radiotherapy.  Our resources include a dedicated Novalis BrainLab linear accelearator based radiosurgery unit with ExacTrac image guidance as well as Gamma Knife radiosurgery unit and state of the art planning systems.  Most importantly, our physicians are renowned national leaders in the treatment of brain tumors and pioneers in the use of fractionated radiosurgery.  We have the experience and high treatment volume to deliver the most optimal care to our patients.

Furthermore Jefferson has an active clinical trials program. When appropriate, patients are given the opportunity to participate in research studies that integrate new drugs and treatment approaches to continue to improve our success in treating brain tumors.  Some trials are available only at Jefferson – please inquire to what trials are currently available!

For further information: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/brain/

For more information about Gamma Knife treatments, visit http://gammaknife.org/.

 

 


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