Accessibility
Print
Krembil Neuroscience Centre (KNC)
Neuro-Oncology - Research
Overview 
Clinics Research Surgical Team Patient Information A - Z Glossary Map & Directions Health Professionals Media Room
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.
Milestones and Innovation
- Performed the first awake craniotomy with same day discharge for brain tumor removal using image guided approach. (Dr. Mark Bernstein, 1996)
- First in Canada to use Image-Guided Minimally Invasive Therapy (IGMIT) during surgery allowing for real-time magnetic resonance imaging to guide surgeons to the location of a brain tumor. (1998)
- Developed method for detecting gene mutations that enhance care for families with retinoblastoma. (Dr. Brenda Gallie, 2003)
Research
Four themes have been identified for UHN research in neuro-oncology, including:
- The development of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for the management of nervous system tumors.
- The understanding of clinical applications of novel radiation therapies and the radiobiology of nervous system tumors.
- The understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of human brain tumors leading to relevant biological therapies in pre-clinical models.
- The development of a detailed clinical epidemiological molecular data base for patients with nervous system tumors.
Useful Links
For more information on neuron-oncology research at UHN visit the Toronto Western Research Instituteand the Ontario Cancer Institute.
