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Neuro-Oncology Program
The Neuro-Oncology program is a multidisciplinary program involving members of the Divisions of Neurology, Radiation Oncology, Neurosurgery and Medical Oncology. Its goal is to provide comprehensive care for patients with CNS malignancies and establish both clinical and translational research programs in Neuro-Oncology.
Clinical Activities
In the realm of patient care, the program has continued to supply patients with advanced surgical and radiotherapeutic management of brain tumors including a well-established linear accelerator based stereotactic radiation program. Molecular diagnostic technology has advanced our understanding of oligodendrogliomas and improved our management and chemotherapeutic strategies for these tumors.
Research Activities
Over the 2008 year, the Neuro-oncology Program has continued with two multicentre randomized clinical trials in gliomas. The first is a trial in low grade gliomas comparing upfront radiotherapy to upfront chemotherapy in treatment of this disease. The second trial is enrolling elderly patients with glioblastoma multiforme, comparing treatment with radiotherapy alone to combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The Neuro-oncology site group, working with the BC Cancer Foundation, was successful in raising over $1 million to support its BrainCare BC initiative at a recent Gala event. This is a multiphase plan to enhance research, delivery of care and rehabilitation to brain tumor patients in BC.