 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
| Adult Brain Tumors |
|
Maciej S. Lesniak, M.D.
The University of Chicago Hospital
Neurosurgery, MC 3026
5841 S. Maryland Ave
Chicago, IL 60637
Tel -
(773) 834-4757
Fax -
(773) 702-3518 |
|
|
|
| Pediatric Brain Tumors |
|
Bakhtiar Yamini, M.D.
The University of Chicago Hospital
Pediatric Neurosurgery, MC 4066
5841 S. Maryland Ave
Chicago, IL 60637
Tel -
(773) 702-2475
Fax -
(773) 702-5234 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| A multidisciplinary approach is utilized in developing strategies to treat all benign and malignant brain tumors. These treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these therapies. Additionally, when surgery is not possible or when standard treatment has failed, you may be eligible for an investigational study called a clinical trial that offers new approaches to treatment. |
|
 Neurosurgery |
|
|
Successful neurosurgery depends not only on tumor resection, but also on preservation of normal and healthy tissue. In order to accomplish these goals, our neurosurgeons at the University of Chicago utilize image-guided surgery. Magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) images provide a detailed 3-D description of brain anatomy. During neurosurgery it is often desirable to establish a correspondence between these pre-operative images and real-time images of the patient. In so doing, the position of a surgical target (e.g., a tumor), clearly visible in the MR or CT image, can be more easily visualized by the surgeon. We universally utilize a system that allows for the real-time overlay of pre-operative MR or CT imagery onto a surgeon's operating microscope view. In addition, we employ the following techniques to safely guide you through the surgery: |
|
| |
 |
intraoperative ultrasound, endoscopes, and high resolution microscopes |
| |
|
intraoperative cavitronic ultrasonic aspirators (CUSA) and lasers |
| |
|
frame as well as frameless stereotactic systems for brain biopsies |
| |
|
Intraoperative cortical mapping as well as brain and spinal cord electrical monitoring to prevent damage to normal tissue. |
|
| Chemotherapies |
|
|
A
variety of chemotherapeutic treatments are currently available
for malignant brain tumors. Among them, GliadelŪ
Wafer is a unique form of treatment for brain
tumors. The wafers are implanted into the tumor site at
the time of surgery and over time they slowly release
a chemotherapeutic agent, carmustine (BCNU), shown to
be highly effective against brain tumors. Gliadel is approved
for use at the time of the initial and subsequent surgeries
for malignant glioma (which includes glioblastoma multiforme
and anaplastic astrocytoma). Other potential chemotherapeutic agents include: |
|
| |
|
Temozolomide/temodar |
| |
|
PCV |
| |
|
CPT-11 |
| |
|
Taxol |
| |
|
Thalidomide |
| |
|
VP-16/Etoposide
|
|
| Radiation |
|
|
Radiation can be used as the first line of therapy in the treatment of both benign and malignant brain tumors or a form of adjuvant therapy to surgery. Currently employed forms of radiotherapy include conformal 3-D radiation, radiosurgery, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. Our physicians in the Department of Radiation Oncology will be happy to discuss your individual needs and provide you with recommendations regarding your therapy. |
|
|
|
|
