Controversies In Neuro Oncology

Because of tremendous advancements in research, neurosurgical oncology has become increasingly complex, and it is imperative that physicians have scientific evidence to guide and defend their decision making as they strive to provide the best patient care. Controversies in Neuro-Oncology: Best Evidence Medicine for Brain Tumor Surgery, written by world-renowned experts, is a comprehensive guide that compiles, synthesizes, and summarizes the most relevant scientific literature available in neurosurgical oncology. It provides objective recommendations based on the data found in the literature, giving physicians the information they need to make fully informed treatment decisions. Key Features: An opening chapter, Introduction to Best Evidence Medicine, illustrates how the authors rate the viability of the data presented Authors discuss in detail commonly disputed topics specific to tumor type, such as the roles of surgery and gross total resection as well as radiosurgery options Expert recommendation boxes highlight "takeaways" for the reader Summary tables distill abundant scientific evidence and emphasize the main conclusions of published studies This book will be the go-to guide for all neurosurgeons, oncologists, and neurologists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with brain tumors.

This volume brings together an interdisciplinary group of specialists to present and discuss the latest diagnostic and therapeutic concepts and current controversial issues in the management of primary and secondary brain tumors. In the first part, the latest technical developments in neuro-oncology are presented. These include the evaluation of positron-emission tomography for diagnosis, and neuronavigation and operative mapping for operation planning. Innovations in computer-assisted 3-D radiotherapy planning and in image fusioning of CT, MRT, SPECT and PET are also described. A large section of the book is devoted to the diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment of glioblastoma, one of the most frequently occurring brain tumors. In-depth coverage is given to pathological differential diagnosis, operative standards and the results of radiotherapy. A detailed presentation of the current chemotherapeutic strategies as well as their evaluation within an interdisciplinary therapy concept is also provided. A special chapter focuses on the role of radiotherapy and neurosurgery in the treatment of craniopharyngioma. The final section features discussions on the therapeutic options for brain metastases. Individual indications for both whole-brain irradiation and radiosurgery are given and compared with neurosurgical intervention. New experimental chemotherapies are considered, and finally, the palliative use of chemotherapy is examined. In summary, this book provides an excellent survey of the state of the art in neuro-oncology. It is therefore recommended reading for all clinical neuropathologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists.

Neuro-oncology is an embryonic field of cancer research with a number of clinical trials in progress. However, the prognosis on neuro-oncologic patients has remained poor. Moreover, several small scale phase I/II trials performed have proved to be inconclusive because of the limited number of patients involved. As a result, many controversies exist in neuro-oncology drug development for which a forum does not exist. This book presents a detailed account on the use of avastin in treating cancer patients. A discussion on clinical experiences and the controversial debate among researchers of avastin's role in restricting malignant gliomas is also included giving readers a diverse perspective on the rationale of treating CNS tumors.

This volume brings together an interdisciplinary group of specialists to present and discuss the latest diagnostic and therapeutic concepts and current controversial issues in the management of primary and secondary brain tumors. In the first part, the latest technical developments in neuro-oncology are presented. These include the evaluation of positron-emission tomography for diagnosis, and neuronavigation and operative mapping for operation planning. Innovations in computer-assisted 3-D radiotherapy planning and in image fusioning of CT, MRT, SPECT and PET are also described. A large section of the book is devoted to the diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment of glioblastoma, one of the most frequently occurring brain tumors. In-depth coverage is given to pathological differential diagnosis, operative standards and the results of radiotherapy. A detailed presentation of the current chemotherapeutic strategies as well as their evaluation within an interdisciplinary therapy concept is also provided. A special chapter focuses on the role of radiotherapy and neurosurgery in the treatment of craniopharyngioma. The final section features discussions on the therapeutic options for brain metastases. Individual indications for both whole-brain irradiation and radiosurgery are given and compared with neurosurgical intervention. New experimental chemotherapies are considered, and finally, the palliative use of chemotherapy is examined. In summary, this book provides an excellent survey of the state of the art in neuro-oncology. It is therefore recommended reading for all clinical neuropathologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists.

Comprehensive Overview of Modern Surgical Approaches to Intrinsic Brain Tumors addresses limitations in the scientific literature by focusing primarily on surgical approaches to various intrinsic neoplasms using diagrams and step-by-step instructions. It provides the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, controversies, and technical considerations and discusses topics such as anatomy, pathology and animal models, imaging, open brain tumor approaches and minimally invasive approaches. Additionally, it discusses controversial treatments and the pros and cons of each. This book is a valuable source for medical students, neurosurgeons and any healthcare provider who has an interest in brain tumors and techniques to treat them. Provides a comprehensive review of different approaches, explaining them step-by- step Includes diagrams that show surgical approaches Presents the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to aid in decision-making

Unique in the field, Intrinsic and Skull Base Tumors presents commonly encountered skull base and intrinsic neoplasm cases with side-by-side, case-by-case comparisons that clearly show how various experts would handle the same case. This inaugural volume in the Neurosurgery: Case Comparison Series offers multiple opinions from international experts in neurosurgery who provide various approaches and management styles for the same case. This format allows for quick and helpful comparisons of different ways to approach a lesion, advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and what each expert is looking for in how they would manage a particular case. Offers 3 to 4 expert opinions on each case in a templated format designed to help you quickly make side-by-side comparisons-an ideal learning tool for both trainees and practicing neurosurgeons for board review and case preparation. Helps you easily grasp different approaches to brain tumor management with different expert approaches to the same case and summaries from the editors on the advantages and disadvantages to each approach. Features a wide variety of management decisions, from preoperative studies to surgical approach, surgical adjuncts, and postoperative care, from experts in the field who specialize in different aspects of neurosurgery. Covers low and high grade gliomas, metastatic brain cancers, meningiomas, sellar and parasellar lesions, skull base lesions, and other brain lesions such as colloid cyst, cavernoma, hemangioblastoma, brain abscess, and more. Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

Neuro-oncologic (brain and spine) cancers account for 19,000 new cases and 13,000 deaths per year. The early and proper diagnosis of these virulent cancers is critical to patient outcomes and diagnosis and treatment strategies are continually evolving. The multidisciplinary team that manages these patients involves medical and radiation oncology, neurosurgery, neuroimaging, nurses and therapists. Principles and Practices of Neuro-Oncology establishes a new gold standard in care through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary text covering all aspects of neuro-oncology. Six major sections cover all topics related to epidemiology and etiology, molecular biology, clinical features and supportive care, imaging, neuroanatomy and neurosurgery, medical oncology and targeted therapies, and radiation oncology for adult and pediatric cancers. Expert contributors from multiple disciplines provide detailed and in-depth discussions of the entire field of neuro-oncology including histopathologic harmonization, neurosurgical techniques, quality of life and cognitive functions, and therapeutic changes in terms of combined modality treatments, advanced radiation techniques, the advent of new drugs, especially targeted agents, and the tantalizing early promise of personalized therapeutic approaches. With contributions from over 180 authors, numerous diagrams, illustrations and tables, and a 48 page color section, Principles and Practice of Neuro-Oncology reflects the breadth and depth of this multi-faceted specialty.