Brain Tumor Treatment Options
Advanced brain tumor surgery
Neurosurgeons at the Weill Cornell Medicine Meyer Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital have exceptional experience removing brain tumors, with the goal of removing tumor tissue while leaving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. They use computer-guided minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever appropriate.
Our surgical team includes experts in skull base surgery using endoscopes passed through the nostrils to remove pituitary tumors, chordomas, and other skull base tumors — leaving no external incisions. Neuropathologists are also available during brain surgeries to provide a preliminary diagnosis using a tool called "intraoperative microscopy."
Operating safely
The neurosurgical team employs a computer-guided “GPS” navigational system, as well as intraoperative neurophysiological mapping to guide our surgeons as they operate, enhancing safety and allowing for more complete tumor removal. They use advanced techniques such as stereotaxis, intraoperative CT scanning, neuroendoscopy, and awake brain mapping to pinpoint a tumor's location in the brain and see how close it is to surrounding normal brain structures. We also continuously monitor the electrical activity of the brain and spinal cord during surgery to reduce the risk of harming vital functions such as movement and sensation during the operation.
Radiation therapy with extraordinary precision
Radiation oncologists at Meyer Cancer Center use highly precise, targeted radiation therapy to zero in on a brain tumor while sparing as much nearby healthy tissue as possible.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for inoperable brain tumors
We offer stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy, which allow for the delivery of high-dose pencil-thin radiation beams to tumors. Meyer Cancer Center was one of the first in the New York area to offer this treatment, which is sometimes called "brain surgery without a knife." It may be an option for patients with tumors that are considered inoperable using conventional neurosurgery.
Neurosurgeons work together with radiation oncologists to plan the procedures, which are usually performed in a single session (stereotactic radiosurgery) or a series of sessions (stereotactic radiotherapy) on an outpatient basis.
Image-guided radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy
These precisely focused external beam radiation treatments match radiation beams to the shape of a tumor to target it in a highly effective way. Image-guided radiation therapy also accounts for changes in the size and shape of the tumor as you continue to get your radiation treatments.
Brachytherapy
This approach involves the implantation of cancer-killing radioactive substances directly into tumor tissue to kill cancer cells.
Targeted chemotherapy
Our neuro-oncologists may prescribe chemotherapy for some brain cancers. Through our precision medicine program, our physicians analyze the biology of your tumor and aim to choose treatments that target the molecular signals driving the growth of your cancer.
You can receive intravenous chemotherapies in our modern, supportive infusion center, where oncology nurses can monitor your side effects and address your comfort. Other chemotherapy drugs for brain cancer are taken orally (by mouth), so you can take them at home.