Benveniste, Ronald R., M.D., Ph.D
Assistant Professor

Heros, Roberto C., M.D.
Professor, Co-Chaiman & Program Director

Jagid, Jonathan R., M.D.
Assistant Professor

Landy, Howard J., M.D.
Professor

Morcos, Jacques J., M.D.
Associate Professor

Neuro-oncology

Overview
Due to direct involvement of critical structures of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, tumors of the nervous system often cannot be cured or effectively managed by surgery alone. Even benign tumors of the nervous system frequently cannot be surgically cured and must be considered for adjuvant treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Surgical management must be carefully integrated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy; aggressive management may prolong life and improve functional status and quality of life.

The Neuro-Oncology Group sponsored by the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center promotes multi-disciplinary cooperation in management of patients -- both children and adults -- with nervous system tumors and develops clinical and laboratory studies aimed at improving the outlook for these patients. The team employs aggressive treatment protocols involving state-of-the-art techniques and encourages patients to consider these options. Multidisciplinary conferences, including representatives of neurosurgery, neurology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology,  are held for discussion of patient management and research protocols. Comprehensive interdisciplinary management plans are formulated and patients are evaluated to determine their eligibility for research protocols.

Available neurosurgical techniques include stereotactic surgery, intraoperative sonography and cortical electrical mapping under local or general anesthesia. Embolization of selected intracranial tumors is performed by interventional neuroradiologists and skull base tumors are often managed in collaboration with members of the Head and Neck Oncology Group.