Neurologic cancer treatments

When you need neurologic cancer treatment, you want expert care from doctors who specialize in cancers of the brain and spine. Count on our neurologic experts at Aurora BayCare Medical Center for precise treatment tailored for you.

Neurologic cancer treatment: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Our neurologic cancer experts specialize in brain and spine cancer treatment. These specialists have received extra training and passed difficult exams that confirm their expertise. Our team includes:

• Neuro-oncologists: Specialists who treat neurologic cancers with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs.
• Neuro-interventional radiologists: Experts who use advanced neuro-imaging techniques for diagnosing neurologic cancer and offer sophisticated brain radiation treatments.
• Neurosurgeons: Leading brain surgeons who use state-of-the-art techniques to treat brain and spinal cancers. We have the region’s largest team of board-certified neurosurgeons.

Spine and brain cancer treatments

We offer advanced treatment options for all neurologic cancer types. You have access to the latest treatments based on clinical cancer research. These treatments include:

Leading-edge brain surgery

We use sophisticated neurosurgical techniques that preserve healthy brain tissue while removing as much of the brain tumor as possible. Using state-of-the-art computerized 3D navigation systems, our skilled neurosurgeons locate and remove small or deep-seated brain tumors with pinpoint accuracy.

Advanced radiation treatments

We offer some of the most advanced radiation techniques in the region for neurologic cancer treatment. These techniques include:

• Intracranial radiation: We use radioactive material at the tumor site to destroy any remaining cancer cells immediately after the neurosurgeon removes the tumor. We were the first in the area to offer this radiation therapy.
• Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT): Our neuroradiologists use images as a guide to apply radiation precisely to the brain tumor.
• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): We use specialized computer equipment to control the location and intensity of radiation beams. This technique allows us to apply strong radiation to the tumor while protecting healthy brain tissue.
• Rotational RapidArc™ therapy: Our specialists use advanced computer technology to deliver a targeted and precise high dose of radiation quickly. The speed of this treatment helps preserve healthy tissue and minimize side effects.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: We use this noninvasive radiation therapy, which isn’t actually surgery, to deliver a high radiation dose directly to the brain tumor.

Sophisticated cancer medicines

Our expert neuro-oncologists treat brain and spinal cancers with a range of specialized treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy: We use various chemotherapy drugs, all of which are designed to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: We offer medications that trigger your body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: We use specialized drugs that find and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
• Anti-angiogenic agents: We use drugs known as angiogenesis inhibitors to prevent new blood vessels from forming, which denies tumors the blood they need to grow.
• Intrathecal chemotherapy: We inject chemotherapy drugs directly into the spine or into a small container that your provider surgically inserts under the scalp. This leading-edge technique delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor site.

Tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy

Our specialists use a new technology known as tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy. Known by the brand names Novocure® and Optune®, this treatment changes the electrical fields within solid tumors. These changes help destroy the ability of cancer cells to divide and slow tumor growth without harming healthy cells.

Specialists attach small transducers, devices that change energy, to the scalp with sticky bandages. These transducers, connected to a battery pack, deliver mild electrical currents that keep cancer cells from dividing.

Emerging neurologic cancer treatments

Our specialists lead and participate in clinical trials of new therapies for brain tumors and spinal cancer. This research focus means that you have access to the newest neurologic cancer treatments right here in your community.

Coordinated brain and spine tumor treatment

Our experts work together to base your treatment plan on the latest cancer research and treatment advances. The team meets during weekly tumor boards to share treatment approaches and expertise.

Request an appointment

Learn more about neurologic cancer treatments at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a cancer specialist today.