When treating brain tumors, the neurosurgical oncology team at Rush collaborates to devise and implement treatment plans that are as gentle as possible on the patient while still providing the best possible outcomes. This combined approach ensures that every patient receives state-of-the-art care, tailored to his or her specific cancer, from some of the most experienced and qualified specialists in the area.

Brain tumor specialists at Rush are skilled in the full range of surgical procedures. In some cases, surgery is followed by radiation therapy, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Services include:

• Advanced diagnostics. With state-of-the-art imaging technology – including spectroscopy, MRI, CT scan and PET scans – brain cancer specialists at Rush can detect even very tiny brain tumors deep within the brain.
• State-of-the-art radiotherapy. During this outpatient procedure, a very high dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor, killing it. Rush has the latest radiosurgery technology, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
• The latest surgical advances. Led by one of the nation's leading neurosurgeons, brain surgeons at Rush are pioneers in the use of minimally invasive techniques that reduce surgical risks and speed patient recovery. And a nationally renowned otolaryngologist at Rush has made significant advances in skull base surgery, a technique that allows surgeons to access tumors that may have formerly been considered inoperable.
• Chemotherapy and other drug therapies. Our researchers are investigating many new chemotherapeutic agents and better ways of delivering chemotherapy.

The Brain Tumor Clinic at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is staffed by medical oncologists, otolaryngologists, radiation therapists and neurosurgeons who work together to provide accurate diagnoses, comprehensive treatment and follow-up.

In addition, patients at Rush experience unparalleled care, led by a nursing staff that is one of few nationwide to achieve Magnet recognition for excellence in nursing, the highest honor awarded by the American Nurses Association.

More information

Learn more about brain tumor symptoms, treatment and diagnosis.