Glioma
How We Can Help You
A glioma is a cancerous brain or spine tumor that starts in the glial cells, which surround nerve cells. Gliomas invade adjacent tissues, which makes them challenging to remove.
The Stanford Brain and Spine Tumor Program leverages advanced diagnostic tools and treatment innovations to address tumors that many other health centers consider too challenging to treat.
We are a global referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastomas.
What We Offer You for Glioma
- Globally-recognized expertise in leading-edge treatments for every type of glioma, including astrocytoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma.
- Team-based treatment planning that brings together specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, neuroradiology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
- Access to advanced imaging including neuronavigation of the brain to help surgeons more clearly distinguish tumors from sensitive surrounding tissues
- Advanced treatment options like intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), surgical innovations, and novel drug therapies available through clinical trials.
- Comprehensive support services like occupational or physical rehabilitation, nutritional and emotional support to help you with your specific symptoms and the challenges of this experience.
- An active clinical research program dedicated to broadening options for the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas.
Glioma Treatment
Stanford Health Care is a sought-after referral center for leading-edge approaches to diagnose and treat glioma tumors. Our goal is to fully understand your symptoms and their impact as we work with you to develop your treatment plan.
Surgery
Surgery is commonly a primary treatment option in treating gliomas. The goal is to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible and relieve pressure on the brain.
For gliomas near areas of the brain that control speech or motor skills, your doctor may recommend specific types of surgery that helps us avoid sensitives structures as we work to remove the tumor.
Our doctors use an advanced imaging technology including neuronavigation of the brain to more clearly distinguish the contours of tumors from healthy, sensitive tissues. That improves the safety and success of surgery.
Radiation Therapy
We offer advanced options to deliver the maximum safe dose directly to the target tissue.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) conforms the radiation beam to the contours of the tumor and customizes intensity of the radiation pulses to the various densities of the tumor tissue.
- CyberKnife is a robotic, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) system that was developed at Stanford. It delivers precise pulses of high-dose radiation to the target tissue, while limiting exposure to surrounding tissues.
Medications
Another option for destroying or stalling the growth of tumor cells is medication (drug) therapy. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy or chemotherapy in combination with other medications.
Medications to Treat Symptoms
Your comfort and quality of life are important to us. Your doctor may recommend medications to manage the symptoms of glioma.
- Anticonvulsants reduce pain and risk of seizures caused by the tumor
- Steroid medications reduce any swelling of the brain
Tumor Genomic Profiling
Some types of cancer have specific genetic markers that might respond to certain anti-cancer medications. We will work to decode the genetic blueprint of the cancer to determine which medications may be right for you.
Through clinical trials, we are analyzing tumor cells for specific genetic markers that might respond to certain anti-cancer medications. Our extensive range of clinical trials enables you to receive promising new treatment options before they become widely available.
Clinical Trials for Glioma
Clinical trials evaluate new approaches, devices, or medications in the treatment of gliomas. Ask your doctor or clinical trials coordinator about available trials that may be additional options for your care.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Sophie Bertrand at 650-723-4467.
To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-736-7440
Glioma
Our spine and brain tumor specialists have extensive expertise in treating gliomas, including those that other centers consider too challenging to treat.
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