Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center

Neuro-oncologists focus on treating cancers affecting the central nervous system. These specialists have completed intensive training in both neurology and medical oncology, including the latest chemo and biological therapies targeted to treat the individual characteristics of the tumor.

Neurosurgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating benign and malignant diseases of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves using surgery. MedStar Health neurosurgeons are pioneers in using the latest open and minimally invasive surgical and radiosurgical techniques to approach anatomically-challenging tumors. Many of our surgeons have additional specialized training in robotically-assisted and minimally invasive surgery, as well as skull base tumors, including pituitary tumors. When surgery is needed, state-of-the-art intraoperative image guidance helps minimize incisions and reduce recovery times for most operations.

Radiation oncologists are trained in using high-energy waves to target and destroy cancer cells. MedStar Health radiation oncologists are adept at utilizing the latest technology, including proton therapy with HYPERSCAN™, Zap-X Radiosurgery, and CyberKnife to precisely target cancer cells while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue and sensitive organs. MedStar Health was the first in the region to use many of these approaches to treat brain tumors, making it one of the most experienced centers in the area.

Radiologists are trained to administer and interpret imaging tests such as CT and MRI to establish detailed diagnoses. Many of MedStar Health’s board-certified radiologists are fellowship trained in diagnosing neurological images, including spine or brain tumors. MedStar’s interventional radiologists can perform minimally invasive treatments using image-guidance, when appropriate.

Neuropathologists are medical experts who are specially-trained to evaluate neurologic tissue and confirm the definitive diagnosis. Neuropathologists are also trained in assessing genetic cues that may help the team predict how a tumor will respond to a specific treatment.

• Acoustic neuroma 

• Astrocytoma

• Craniopharyngioma

• Ependymoma

• Epidermoid cyst

• Glioblastoma

• Hemangioblastoma

• Hemangiopericytoma

• Meningioma

• Metastases

• Oligodendroglioma

• Pituitary 

• Schwannoma

• And more

If you need surgery, a carefully personalized treatment plan that considers a wide variety of surgical treatment options will be presented, including:

• Minimally invasive neurosurgery, including robotic-assisted surgery, when appropriate

• Neurovascular microsurgery

• Traditional (open) brain or spine surgery

• Skull base surgery, including open and endoscopic approaches for pituitary surgery 

During surgery, neurosurgeons use advanced imaging technology in order to make immediate decisions. MedStar Health was the first to use the Brainlab Airo® Mobile Intraoperative CT, which offers the surgeon a more precise approach to the targeted area, with less radiation exposure for the patient.

Combining medical expertise with state-of-the-art technology and the latest clinical research allows us to deliver targeted radiation treatment with precision, sparing adjacent healthy structures. Patients benefit from access to state-of-the-art radiation technology, including the following:

• Conventional Radiation Therapy

• Gamma Knife

• CyberKnife® 

• Proton Therapy 

• Zap-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery™ 

When appropriate, our neuro-oncologists treat brain and spine tumors and supplement care with appropriate chemo and immunotherapy. Through research involving various clinical protocols, our experts are investigating and able to apply effective treatments for a wide range of brain tumors.

Patients may have access to multi-center clinical trials in neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and medical oncology, including promising treatments that are not yet widely available.