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Neuro-oncology is the study and treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The Krembil Neuroscience Centre neuro-oncology program brings together two world-class institutions, Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital to provide the cutting edge diagnostic and treatment options for patients. The multidisciplinary team includes clinicians, scientists, nurses, nurse-clinicians, social workers and others. We serve as a national and international referral centre, providing care for hundreds of new patients with brain and nerve tumours each year.

Outpatient Craniotomy:
This gold standard of surgical care was pioneered at Toronto Western Hospital by world renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Bernstein. This type of treatment allows surgeons to remove the tumour while preserving healthy brain tissue. After an evaluation period following surgery, patients finish their recovery at home the same day.

Gamma Knife:
Patients with Brain Tumours may be referred for gamma knife radiosurgery when considered technically advantageous over alternate radiosurgical approaches, or stereotactic radiotherapy.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, a form of stereotactic radiosurgery, is a sophisticated radiation tool known worldwide for its precise treatment to targeted areas of the brain. The "Tools" of the Gamma Knife are the beams of gamma radiation that deliver single doses of radiation therapy with precision of less than 1 mm.

The beams of gamma radiation are specifically programmed to target areas of the brain where surgical access is challenging or too dangerous or are not optimally suited for other medical treatments. In a single treatment session, 201 beams of gamma radiation focus precisely on the target. The exposure is brief and only the tissue being treated receives a significant radiation dose, while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed.

Types of Brain Tumours:

Astrocytoma - cancers of the brain that originate in star-shaped brain cells

Oligodendroglioma – a type of cancer that originates in the cells that protect the nerve cells in the brain

Meninglioma – a type of cancer that originates in the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord

Pituitary Adenoma - are typically benign, slow-growing tumours that arise from cells in the pituitary gland.

Medulloblastoma – are tumours formed from poorly developed cells at a very early stage of their life and are more common in children.

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