Brain Cancer Treatment

Brain tumors can be primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (metastatic spread from other cancers). Common primary brain tumors include glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, meningioma, and medulloblastoma. Secondary brain tumors are metastases from another site; mostly commonly lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, colon and kidney cancer. We offer a full range of advanced radiation therapy technologies, from stereotactic radiosurgery to fractionated whole-brain radiation therapy with hippocampal sparing.

Brain Cancer’s Symptoms

• Persistent or worsening headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Progressive neurological deficits: weakness, numbness, vision changes, speech difficulty
• Cognitive changes: memory loss, personality changes, confusion
• Balance and coordination problems

Causes / Risk Factors

• Primary brain tumors: gliomas, meningiomas, medulloblastomas, pituitary tumors
• Secondary brain cancer: metastases from lung, breast, melanoma, kidney, or colon cancer
• Genetic syndromes: neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, tuberous sclerosis
• Previous exposure to ionizing radiation to the head
• No known cause in most cases

High Grade Gliomas/Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. The current standard of treatment includes maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy with temozolomide, followed by adjuvant temozolomide therapy.

The radiation therapy course is typically 6 weeks, however shorter courses called hypofractionation radiation therapy can be utilized depending on a patient’s clinical status. The treatment is typically delivered utilizing intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, which helps to minimize the dose to surrounding normal healthy tissue. We work closely with our medical or neuro oncologists who prescribe the oral chemotherapy given concurrently with radiation therapy.

Once a patient has completed their radiation therapy course, they may be a candidate for Optune which our ROC physicians can help coordinate. Optune is a wearable cancer-treatment device that uses alternating electric fields to help make it harder for cancer cells to reproduce.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases and Benign Tumors

Stereotactic radiosurgery or SRS is the ideal treatment for brain metastases and small benign tumors such as meningiomas or vestibular schwannomas. In a single session (or 3-5 fractions for larger lesions), we deliver a high ablative dose with submillimeter precision using either a Gamma Knife or a linear accelerator equipped with micro-multi-leaf collimators.

Key benefits for patients:

• No incisions – a completely non-invasive procedure.
• No need for hospitalization.
• Healthy brain tissue, including the visual pathways, brainstem, and speech centers, is preserved thanks to a steep dose fall‑off.
• Immediate return to normal activity after the session.
• We plan and treat many of our SRS cases on the same day, often completing the entire procedure in less than two hours.

Brain Metastases/Hippocampal‑Avoidance

For patients with multiple brain metastases, whole‑brain radiotherapy may be necessary. However, conventional WBRT carries a significant risk of cognitive decline—up to 50% of patients develop memory loss and executive dysfunction within 4‑6 months.

At ROC, we use hippocampal‑avoidance WBRT (HA‑WBRT). By intentionally excluding the hippocampus (the brain’s memory center) from the high‑dose region, we reduce the risk of radiation‑induced dementia. We combine HA‑WBRT with a memantine prescription to further protect cognitive function.

What to Expect During Brain Cancer Treatment

For SRS:

• You will lie on the treatment table wearing a custom-made thermoplastic mask. It will gently but securely support your head. We use CT/MRI imaging for planning. The actual radiation treatment takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The treatment may take longer if there are many lesions to treat. You will not feel a thing. After the session, you can drive home (unless you received sedation) and immediately return to your normal activities.

For fractionated radiation therapy:

• Treatments are performed once daily, Monday through Friday, for up to 6 weeks. Each session lasts 15-20 minutes. Common temporary side effects include:
  • Fatigue
  • Localized hair loss (typically reversible) at the radiation sites
  • Mild redness or dry skin
  • Steroids are used as needed to control swelling or headaches. Our team has a dedicated nurse coordinator who will support you throughout the treatment.

Call us at 847-698-0600 ext. 112 to schedule a consultation. Our team works closely with neurosurgeons to help give you the best possible outcome.