Neuro-Oncology Program
Program Orientation/Overview
The Neuro-Oncology Program employs an interdisciplinary approach offering comprehensive therapy for patients with primary and metastatic tumors of the brain and spinal cord, as well as neurologic complications of cancer and its treatments.
Our combined resources enable patients who are suspected or known to have primary or metastatic tumors of the brain or spine to receive the latest diagnostic tests and treatments available. Our faculty provides access to the most up-to-date, "bench-to-bedside" research information. We offer comprehensive consultation services for diagnosis and management of brain and spinal cord tumors, as well as for neurologic complications of cancer and its therapies.
Our interdisciplinary team includes: neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, neuro psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, clinical trial coordinators and case managers. A weekly brain tumor conference provides an opportunity to discuss every patient under our care. After evaluation of clinical reports, radiology studies and pathology materials, recommendations are made for therapeutic options for each patient. These may include surgery, radiation therapy, and standard or investigational chemotherapies. This interdisciplinary approach leads to highly coordinated, expert quality patient care and superior patient satisfaction.
Clinical Translational Research
The clinical program at Moffitt Cancer Center is supported by a strong clinical and basic science research program in neuro-oncology. The basic science program brings together scientists with diverse backgrounds, including neuroscience, molecular genetics, developmental neurobiology, cancer biology and bioinformatics. The mission of the basic science program in neuro-oncology is to understand why tumors develop in the brain, as well as to uncover the mechanisms that drive tumor growth and resistance to therapy.
The clinical research program, a leader in neuro-oncology trials, focuses on bridging the gap between patient care and laboratory science by applying the discoveries in the laboratory to drug development and treatment options. Our program is a solid member of major Neuro-Oncology consortia such as the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium (ABTC) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). The close collaboration between the scientists and clinicians in neuro-oncology is fueled by the common goal of developing new treatments and ultimately a cure for patients with malignant brain tumors. Our comprehensive Neuro-Oncology program is second to none in regards to patient satisfaction, advanced treatments, research and diversity in clinical trials.
Clinical Trials
There are a multitude of clinical trials available for newly diagnosed and recurrent glial tumors as well as for metastatic brain disease. Some of the trials we currently have available for newly diagnosed malignant glioma: BSI-201 (PARP-1 inhibitor), bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) + temozolomide(alkylating agent), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and NovoTTF-100A (experimental medical device) . For recurrent gliomas: Sutent (sutinib; receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor), bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) with irinotecan (topoisomerase-1 inhibitor) plus Vorinistat (HDAC inhibitor). For metastases we have Bendamustine (alkylating agent, antimetabolite) and for neoplastic meningitis we have DepoCyt (intrathecal cytarabine liposome) plus Sorafenib (multiple kinase inhibitor).
For more information on these and many other trials we have available, please click on Neuro Clinical Trials or contact our Clinical Research Coordinators, Pam Smith at 813-745-3951, or Shirley Entis at 813-745-3929 .
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) Resource Corner at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
The ABTA Resource Corner at Moffitt helps individuals who are affected by this diagnosis by empowering them with information. The Resource Corner is part of the Patient Library & Welcome Center, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Muriel Rothman Building (Clinic), directly above Common Grounds Coffee Shop. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is available to patients, families, friends, medical staff and the general public. Funded by a generous grant from the ABTA, it was the first center of its type in the country when it opened in 2002. Staffed by trained volunteers, the ABTA Resource Corner serves the Tampa Bay brain tumor community through an extensive inventory of multimedia resources.
We also offer Brain Tumor Talks, an award-winning educational series for neuro patients and families to come and hear the latest information on brain and spine tumors and to join others who have been touched by this diagnosis. Click here to see what's coming up and to view online videos from previous Brain Tumor Talks presentations.
Patient Story
Moffitt Cancer Center’s consumer site, www.InsideMoffitt.com, has additional brain tumor information, including a video interview of a brain tumor survivor. Learn about her symptoms, diagnosis and the operation that saved her life.