UMass Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Center
The Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Program at UMass Memorial provides state-of-the-art treatment for patients with primary and metastatic tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Our expert team of neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, radiation oncologists, oncologists and other care givers work together to develop an individual treatment plan for each patient. Together, they provide comprehensive care to patients with brain cancer. Our brain tumor surgeons have been recruited from the top cancer centers in the world, with the result that the Brain Tumor Program at UMass Memorial has become one of the premier brain tumor treatment programs in the region. We care for patients with all types of benign or malignant tumors involving the brain, pituitary gland, cranial nerves, skull, peripheral nerves, spine and spinal cord is delivered expertly and compassionately.
Tumors that we treat include:
- Glioma
- Meningioma
- Metastases
- Malignant Fibrous Tumor
- Schwannoma
- Pituitary Adenoma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Rathke’s Cleft Cyst
- Choroid Plexus Papilloma/Carcinoma
- Skull lesions
- Hemangioblastoma
- Ependymoma
- Subependymoma
- Epidermoid/Dermoid
- Hemangioblastoma
- Pineal Tumors
In conjunction with neuropathology, we use high throughput sequencing of tumor DNA, immunohistochemistry, FISH and traditional microscopy techniques to obtained detailed molecular analyses of brain tumors. The results obtained from such “molecular fingerprinting,” allow us to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient with the goal of maximizing the response to treatment.
In collaboration with Radiation Oncology, we offer a range of radiation options, including stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy and a variety of fractionated radiation regimens. In some cases, tumors can be treated non-invasively using high dose radiation that is focused specifically on the tumor. This “bloodless” technique is called stereotactic radiosurgery and can often control the growth of selected brain or spinal tumors without the need for traditional surgery.
In addition to providing state-of-the-art care for brain tumor patients, our doctors and scientists are conducting ground-breaking research within the Department of Neurological Surgery in order to increase our understanding of brain tumors and to develop new and more effective treatments. Current studies are focused on the growth, survival and response to treatment of gliomas, meningiomas and metastases. Additional NIH-funded studies are examining how the brain responds to brain tumor therapy, and we are developing new treatment strategies that are designed to cure these tumors.
To refer a patient, schedule an appointment or contribute to our brain tumor research program, call 508-334-0605.