Glioma
Gliomas start in glial cells which provide important structural support in the brain. Gliomas typically have very different characteristics in terms of their location, behavior, and response to treatment. Examples of gliomas include astrocytomas, glioblastomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and gangliogliomas.
Our Approach to Treating Gliomas
Due to the unique nature of gliomas, they require a personalized treatment plan tailored to their location and other unique factors. A key to achieving success in the treatment of gliomas is having a better understanding of how they develop.
In collaboration with our investigators at NewYork-Presbyterian, our investigators can create laboratory models of individual patients' tumors, called "cerebral organoids," using stem cells derived from patients who undergo surgery. With genetic testing tools and computer analysis, scientists can potentially screen up to 1,000 drugs or drug combinations against each patient's own tumor model to find out which drugs are most effective.
Minimally invasive treatment
If your glioma can be surgically removed, our highly skilled neurosurgeons use minimally invasive procedures whenever appropriate, including endoscopy.
- We plan your surgery using the latest mapping techniques and imaging methods to maximize tumor removal and surgical safety.
- Our neurosurgeons work with a fluorescent dye injected at the beginning of surgery. This dye is absorbed only by the tissue of the tumor. Dye absorption allows them to view the tumor under microscopy using a special filter to distinguish tumor tissue from normal tissue, allowing for more precise brain tumor surgery.
Precise Radiation Therapy
Many people with gliomas have radiation therapy as part of their treatment. We may use precisely targeted radiation beams as your primary treatment or give it after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Our neurosurgeons work closely with our radiation oncologists to explore all your treatment options, including combining focused radiation therapy with other therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The Latest Chemotherapy Drug
Your doctor will let you know if you may benefit from chemotherapy. Some are given intravenously in our modern infusion center, while others can be taken orally (by mouth) at home.