Brain Tumor Center
The Brain Tumor Center at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences is a leading center for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the brain and spine. The Center’s team of neuroscience specialists combines clinical expertise and the latest technology with compassionate care, bringing hope to patients after a brain tumor diagnosis.
The Brain Tumor Center includes specialists from multiple disciplines: neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, interventional pain management, physical therapy, and genetic counseling.
This team-based, multidisciplinary approach allows our patients to benefit from a broad range of expertise, the newest therapies, access to groundbreaking clinical trials, and high quality services and outcomes across the continuum of care. We provide a comprehensive range of treatment options for brain tumors, including open and minimally invasive surgery, Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, alternating electric field therapy (tumor treating fields), and immunotherapy.
Brain Tumor Types
The medical team at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences is highly skilled in treating primary and metastatic tumors, including:
Innovative Technologies and Surgical Techniques for Brain Tumors
In 1993, we helped acquire the region’s first Leksell Gamma Knife®, a stereotactic radiosurgery instrument that resolves brain tumors and other neurological disorders without a traditional “open” surgery. To date, our team has treated more than 5,000 patients using the next generation of this groundbreaking minimally invasive tool.
Other novel technologies available at the Brain Tumor Center include diffusion tensor imaging to map major brain connection pathways in conjunction with functional MRI and MEG imaging tests.
The neurosurgical team has extensive experience and routinely employs the most innovative procedures to diagnose and treat brain tumors, including:
- Motor and language mapping
- Functional imaging techniques for localizing sensitive brain regions
- Awake craniotomies under local anesthesia
- Laser ablation
- Placement of intracavitary chemotherapy
- Minimally invasive procedures such as neuroendoscopy and stereotactic radiosurgery
State-of-the-art tools such as these give our physicians the ability to diagnose brain tumors and deliver surgical treatment with unprecedented precision.
Clinical Trials
When conventional therapies prove unsuccessful, we provide our patients access to leading-edge clinical trials of investigational drugs and procedures.
View trials related to brain tumors here »
Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery
The Brain Tumor Center’s team works closely with the Children’s Neuroscience Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital to ensure exceptional care for younger patients with brain tumors. Learn more about the Children’s Neuroscience Center.
Partnering with Referring Physicians
Throughout the evaluation and treatment process, we keep referring physicians well informed about patient progress, both in writing and by phone. After a patient’s first office visit, these doctors will receive a summary that includes the initial diagnosis, pending tests, and treatment options. Follow-up reports detail surgical outcomes and postoperative therapy.
What You Can Expect at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences
At UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and radiation oncologists work together to determine the care each patient needs, discussing treatment options as a group. This approach saves our patients time and money and allows our specialists to share each other’s insights, leading to better treatment decision-making and outcomes.
We first investigate options for nonsurgical treatment, including medical management, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and watchful waiting. When surgery is needed, our neurosurgeons routinely employ innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout the treatment process, our team will work closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your normal care plan. While you are with us, you can expect expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.
Contact Us
At UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, we offer patients access to specialized neurological care at clinics across the greater Houston area. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-8000, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.