PrintWhat is neuro-oncology?
Neuro-oncology is the study and treatment of tumors — both cancerous and non-cancerous — in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Treatment of nervous system tumors may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, neurological and neuro-radiological follow-up or a combination of these techniques.
UHN’s Neuro-Oncology Care Area
Our neuro-oncology programs and services bridge expertise in two of UHN’s major programs: neuroscience and oncology. The multidisciplinary team includes clinicians, scientists, nurses, nurse-clinicians, social workers and others at all three UHN hospital sites.
We serve as a national and international referral centre, providing care for hundreds of new patients with brain and nerve tumors each year.
Expertise and support every step of the way
Our programs and services provide care for neuro-oncology patients at all stages of treatment:
1) Pre-Operative: We use state-of-the-art radiology tests to diagnose the type and location of tumors, to help the team decide on the best course of treatment for patients.
2) Intra-Operative: We use image-guided, intra-operative MRI, endoscopy and other advanced surgical techniques to remove tumors safely and effectively.
3) Post-Operative: Specially-trained nursing staff and allied health professionals help patients recover after surgery. Many nervous system tumors require additional treatment after surgery, which is guided by medical and radiation oncologists at the Pencer Brain Tumor Centre (Princess Margaret Hospital). The Pencer Centre also provides support to patients and families who are coming to terms with serious or terminal illnesses.
In addition to using the most current techniques to diagnose and treat brain tumors, UHN’s neuro-oncology team is involved in research to help us better understand nervous system tumors and how to treat them. Much of this research is carried out at the Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, in collaboration with the Hospital for Sick Children.
