Advanced Neuro-Oncology Program

Nationally recognized experts provide state-of-the-art care for patients with brain and spinal cord tumors.

• How do physicians at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network approach neuro-oncology patients?
• Which advanced diagnostic tools do you use?
• What types of neuro-oncology conditions do you treat?
• How do you treat neuro-oncology conditions?
• What support services do you offer patients?

Q: How do physicians at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network approach neuro-oncology patients?

A: Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s neuro-oncology program offers a multidisciplinary approach by nationally recognized physicians from neurology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, neuroradiology and neuropathology. All team members collaborate to determine the best treatment approach and tailor that approach to each patient’s needs. They work together from diagnosis to surgery to post-operative treatments to support services, providing state-of-the-art care and access to leading-edge clinical trials.

Q: Which advanced diagnostic tools do you use?

We use a wide variety of technologies to help us make precise diagnoses and develop effective treatments for brain and other central nervous system tumors. Diagnostic tools include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Advanced MRI technology
• MR spectroscopy
• Diffusion MRI
• Functional MRI

Q: What types of neuro-oncology conditions do you treat?

A: The team at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network provides expert diagnosis and treatment for cancers of the central nervous system, including:

• Gliomas
• Metastatic tumors
• Meningiomas
• Pituitary tumors
• Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET)
• Pineal region tumors
• Glioblastoma multiforme
• Spinal tumors
• Chordomas
• Schwannomas

Q: How do you treat neuro-oncology conditions?

A: We offer traditional, as well as new and investigational treatments for central nervous system cancers, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery. As a team, we determine the best treatment plan for the individual patient. We are skilled at performing the latest procedures, including:

• Surgical tumor resection/biopsy utilizing computerized navigation systems
• Skull-base surgery
• Intra-operative motor mapping
• Awake craniotomy with speech mapping
• Image guided radiation therapy, including Trilogy®
• Intensity modulated radiation therapy
• Stereotactic radiosurgery, including Gamma Knife®
• Chemotherapy

Q: What support services do you offer patients?

A: The Cancer Centers at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg are home to superior cancer care and support services. Our patient satisfaction rating is in the top 1 percent nationwide. We offer a wide array of services including:

• Second opinion program
• Individual and group counseling
• Region’s only brain tumor support group
• Caregivers’ support groups
• Cancer support team
• Education
• Home health care
• Nutrition assessment and counseling
• Rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Sex therapy
• Palliative care
• Pharmacy services
• Pastoral care
• Financial coordination

This page last updated 9/15/08 02:24 PM