Brain and Spine Tumor Treatment

The Brain and Spine Tumor Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin provides patients with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services and a full range of support. The Brain and Spine Tumor Program 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.

Surgery

Surgery is the first step in treatment for most patients with a neurological tumor. 

• The surgeons of the Brain and Spine Tumor Program specialize in operating on cancers in complex areas of the brain and spinal cord.
• Several minimally invasive procedures are available to make brain surgery safer and treat problems associated with spine tumors.

Optune™

We offer patients with glioblastoma (recurrent and newly diagnosed) an innovative treatment, Optune™, that targets dividing cancer cells while sparing healthy brain cells. The device attaches to the scalp and connects to a self-contained unit that includes a battery pack. Optune™ provides for greater lifestyle flexibility, promotes a better quality of life and does not have some of the side effects associated with other treatment options.

Drug Therapy

Patients with neurological cancers can benefit from several newer drug options. The Brain and Spine Tumor Program includes two fellowship-trained neuro-oncologists — drug therapy experts with advanced education in treating brain and spine tumors.

Radiation Therapy

The Clinical Cancer Center offers a full range of radiation therapy technologies. 

• Radiation oncologists in the program have extensive experience treating brain and spine tumors, and are actively involved in the development of new treatment techniques.
• Certain brain tumors can be treated with Gamma Knife, a specialized radiation treatment system that in some cases can replace surgery.

Rehabilitation

Brain and spine tumors and cancer treatment can lead to a variety of physical problems and disabilities. 

• Physical medicine specialists can help patients manage these problems through a variety of medical interventions and therapies.
• The neuro-oncology cognitive clinic includes a neuropsychologist who monitors patients for cognitive changes and helps them optimize their cognitive abilities.

Psych-oncology Nurse

The Clinical Cancer Center includes a psych-oncology nurse, a clinical nurse specialist who helps address the needs of cancer patients and their families through supportive psychological therapy and psychopharmacology management.

Patient Support Services

The Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin provides a full range of services focused on the physical, emotional and social well-being of patients and their families.