The diagnosis of a brain tumor or neurological complication from cancer can be devastating for a patient and his or her family. Depending on the condition, there are often many different treatment options; understanding them and deciding which is best can be confusing and stressful for patients. The Siteman Cancer Center''s neuro-oncology team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine will explain all treatment possibilities and support the patient while the patient considers all of their options. 

One in 10 persons over age 65 (and nearly half of persons over age 85) are affected by Alzheimer's 

In fact, that''s the team''s mission: to provide the best evaluation and care of patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent tumors of the central nervous system.

A multidisciplinary team of physicians – specialists in a variety of areas who bring their expertise to each patient''s case – make up the neuro-oncology program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Siteman Cancer Center. These specialists include:

• neurosurgeons, who surgically remove brain tumors;

• radiation oncologists, who treat cancers with different types and intensity of radiation;

• neuroradiologists, who use X-rays to diagnose and treat nervous system diseases;

• medical oncologists, who study and treat malignant tumors; and

• neuro-anesthesiologists and neurological intensivists who specialize in providing appropriate anesthetics and perioperative care for neuro-oncology patients.

• Otolaryngologists, who specialize in skull base abnormalities.

The multidisciplinary format of the neuro-oncology program allows the team to provide each patient with a thorough evaluation and then coordinate the course of treatment among the many specialists who need to be involved.

"Here in the Department of Neurosurgery at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, we have had a long standing interest in the treatment of brain tumors. Recently, we have expanded our brain tumor program by recruiting Dr. Gerry Linette to provide neuro-oncology services to patients with brain tumors. We have also significantly increased our technical capabilities to perform innovative adjunct treatments for patients with brain tumors," says Ralph Dacey, MD, Washington University neurosurgery chairman at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

The neuro-oncology team members are highly trained and can provide the latest in technological capabilities, which might include:

• Surgery – including specialized skull base approaches, intraoperative cortical functional localization of speech and motor function, intraoperative, stereotactic surgical neuronavigation;

• Gamma Knife/Stereotactic radiosurgery – delivering precise beams of focused radiation to areas where they''re needed;

• Implantable chemotherapy techniques – treatment of brain tumors with chemotherapy drugs;

The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Neurosurgery Department''s reputation and expertise led U.S. News & World Report to rank it as the best in Missouri and among the top seven in the country.

For more information on the neuro-oncology program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free at 866-867-3627.