Types of Cancers We Treat
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with brain or spine cancer, having access to expert care and the latest treatments makes all the difference. At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand the complex nature of brain and spine cancers, and our team of dedicated specialists is here to support you every step of the way.
As New Jersey's premier healthcare network, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we provide care from leading experts using the most advanced treatments available, including access to clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
Types of Brain Cancer
Brain tumors can be either primary (starting in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from other parts of the body). We treat all types of brain cancer, including:
- Primary brain cancer. These come in several forms, each requiring specialized care. These include gliomas, which arise from the brain's supportive tissue, meningiomas that develop in the brain's protective covering, and acoustic neuromas that affect hearing and balance nerves. We also treat pituitary tumors, craniopharyngiomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas.
- Metastatic brain cancer. When cancer spreads to the brain from other parts of the body, it requires a different treatment approach. We have extensive experience treating brain metastases from breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and other primary cancers.
Types of Spine Tumors
Just like brain tumors, spine tumors can either originate in the spine or spread there from other locations. Our team treats all types of spine cancer, including:
- Primary spine tumors. These rare tumors, such as chordomas and spinal meningiomas develop within the spinal cord or its surrounding tissues. They require careful treatment planning to preserve spinal cord function while fighting the cancer.
- Metastatic spine tumors. This occurs when cancer cells spread from other parts of the body to the spine. This can lead to vertebral metastases or spinal cord compression, requiring prompt treatment to prevent or minimize neurological complications.
Expert Clinicians, Leaders and Innovators
Your care team brings together specialists from multiple fields to create a treatment plan specifically for you. Our experienced physicians include neurosurgeons who specialize in complex brain and spine tumors, neuro-oncologists who focus on the latest cancer treatments, and radiation oncologists who are experts in precise tumor targeting. An expert tumor board review is conducted for every patient.
Working alongside our physicians are specialized oncology nurse navigators who guide you through your treatment journey, as well as rehabilitation specialists, pain management experts, and support staff who address every aspect of your care and recovery.
Advanced Treatment Options Personalized for You
Your treatment plan will be carefully designed to address your specific type of cancer while considering your overall health and personal needs.
Our surgical expertise includes minimally invasive approaches that can reduce recovery time, awake brain surgery that helps protect critical functions, and complex spine tumor removal procedures. We use advanced imaging technology to guide our surgeries with exceptional precision.
For targeted radiation treatment, we offer multiple sophisticated options. These include Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which delivers precise radiation to brain tumors, CyberKnife therapy for exact tumor targeting, and proton therapy that can treat difficult-to-reach tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Our treatments include the latest approaches in immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight cancer, and chemotherapy. We also provide access to clinical trials, which may provide promising new treatments being studied.
Comprehensive Brain and Spine Cancer Care in New Jersey
At RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, we treat all types of cancer with expertise and compassion. Our specialists stay at the forefront of cancer treatment advances, offering sophisticated care for everything from common cancers to rare tumors. Our comprehensive team includes specialized oncologists, surgeons, nurse navigators, and support professionals who work together to create personalized treatment plans. We deliver advanced cancer care in a compassionate environment, conveniently located close to home.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.