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Brain and Spine Tumor Program
Approximately 400,000 people are diagnosed with brain or spine tumors in the United States every year. Most of these tumors are cancers that have spread to the brain or spine from other parts of the body. The Brain and Spine Tumor Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin provides patients with state-of-the-art treatment for the full range of brain and spine malignancies. We focus on using innovative techniques to treat difficult tumors while maintaining quality of life for the patient.
Focus on Tumors in Complex Areas of the Brain
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for most brain tumors. The challenge lies in removing as much cancer as possible while leaving brain functions intact. The surgeons of the Brain and Spine Tumor Program specialize in operating on tumors growing in or near areas of complex brain function — for example, areas that control movement, speech and memory. The team’s longstanding goal is to develop better techniques for locating critical brain structures so they can maximize tumor removal while minimizing damage to brain function and patient abilities.
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The Brain and Spine Tumor Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin is the oldest brain tumor center in the region. Patients from Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin and beyond turn to our team of experts for advanced cancer treatment.
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- Physicians in the program are pioneers in the use of advanced imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), to map the functional networks of the brain.
- The surgeons have extensive experience using “awake” surgery to guide tumor removal while protecting brain function.
- Members of the program were instrumental in the development of Prism®, a software system that integrates a variety of diagnostic image sources to help surgeons plan safer tumor removals.
- The team has access to advanced Image-Guided Radiation Therapy technologies for delivering precisely targeted radiation doses to brain and spine tumors.
These skills and technologies are especially important for treating recurring brain tumors, which generally are more deeply infiltrated into brain tissue. The physicians of the Brain and Spine Tumor Program care for a high number of patients with these recurrent tumors.
Treating the Full Range of Spinal TumorsSurgeons in the program treat every kind of spinal tumor, including tumors of the bony spine and rare tumors of the spinal cord.
Vertebral tumors are usually cancers that have spread to the spine from other parts of the body, often from lung cancer, prostate cancer or myeloma. These tumors can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause structural problems. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor and spine reconstruction.
Spinal cord tumors are usually benign, but treating them requires extremely intricate surgery. Medical College of Wisconsin neurosurgeons perform more spinal cord tumor operations than any other surgical group in the state. Neurosurgeon Shekar Kurpad, MD, has a specialized interest in surgical treatment of spinal cord tumors. Learn more.
Neuro-oncology Cognitive ClinicPatients with brain tumors can experience changes in thinking, perception, memory, emotions and behavior. As part of our dedication to preserving brain function, the Brain and Spine Tumor Program includes a neuropsychologist who monitors patients for cognitive changes and helps them optimize their abilities.
David Sabsevitz, PhD, a Medical College of Wisconsin neuropsychologist, evaluates patients before treatment, conducts regular follow-up testing to identify any changes in cognition or emotional state, and provides therapies to treat or mitigate cognitive changes. Learn more about our Neuro-Oncology Cognitive Clinic.
Clinical TrialsThe Brain and Spine Tumor Program is a leading national center for clinical research into new cancer therapies. Through our active involvement with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, the Central Neuro-oncology Group, and other research collaboratives, we offer patients access to many advanced treatment options.
Much of today’s brain tumor research is focused on drug therapy. Several drugs now under investigation are designed to interfere with molecular pathways that are critical for tumor function. Learn more about our clinical trials program.
Second OpinionsWhen a person is diagnosed with a brain tumor, it is reasonable to seek a second opinion. Many patients come to the Brain and Spine Tumor Program for additional perspective on their disease and treatment:
- A concurring opinion gives patients the confidence that they are pursuing the right course of action.
- Getting a second opinion can open up new options for the patient, including potential participation in clinical trials.
Many patients choose to consult with physicians at Froedtert & the Medical College and then receive care closer to home. The physicians in the Brain and Spine Tumor Program frequently work with other providers to help ensure patients have the most effective treatment plan.
Complete Support ServicesPatients with brain, spine, and spinal cord tumors have a variety of needs that go beyond medical care. The Clinical Cancer Center provides a full range of services focused on the physical, emotional and social well being of patients and their families. Learn more about our complete support services.
Last Review Date: June 5, 2008 Online Editor(s): Rich Petre |
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