Brain tumor

Whether you are recently diagnosed with a primary brain tumor, glioblastoma, or seeking a second opinion, here at Duke we join your fight to treat it. We conduct more groundbreaking research, have more active clinical trials, see more adults and children with brain tumors and brain cancer, have more experience with more types of brain tumors, and provide more innovative treatments than most centers in the world. We take an aggressive team approach to detect, treat, and ultimately provide long-term survival to all of our patients.

The brain tumor doctors and surgeons in our nationally ranked cancer center — one of just a few National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation — are dedicated to caring for brain cancer patients. Unlike most brain cancer centers that see an average of 200 patients a year, our specialists treat approximately 700 per year, and have experience with all types of brain tumors and a personalized approach to the best care.

More patients come to Duke for treatment of their primary brain tumor because we offer:

• The nation’s top doctors specializing in brain tumors. Unlike a lot of centers that filter you through a series of administrators before you speak to a doctor, here you’ll speak to our doctors first. Our world-renowned specialists in oncology and neurosurgery consult with you to determine which tests you need and decide the next steps for your care.
• The latest OR technology. We are one of only a handful of medical centers that have an intra-operative MRI (iMRI) in our operating rooms. This allows neurosurgeons to get an MRI while a patient is still in surgery, confirming that all of the tumor is removed, ensuring the success of the surgery, and reducing the time and number of procedures a patient has to endure.
• Medical advances that improve the duration and quality of life. We co-developed a vaccine that extends the lives of people with glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor. Research continues to make the vaccine stronger, and the immune response more powerful. The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center played a pivotal role in the introduction of Avastin in the treatment of brain tumors.
• Nationally ranked cancer program. Duke is consistently ranked among the best cancer programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, our team is recognized for exploring new treatment opportunities through ongoing research and clinical trials.
• A team of caring nurses. Our dedicated team includes advanced care nurses. A nurse will be your main point of contact throughout your treatment and recovery, answering any questions about your initial evaluation, surgical procedures, financial concerns, emotional needs and dietary requirements.
• Extensive brain tumor research. At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, our robust research program is dedicated to finding better outcomes for brain tumors. Under the leadership of Darell Bigner, MD, PhD., we explore ways to selectively target tumors, and design new agents to destroy cancer. We are working to tame fast-growing and drug-resistant tumors. And, our researchers are studying ways to manipulate the genes and proteins that fuel tumor growth.
• Clinical trial access. Many treatments showing success today were developed in our labs by our researchers and may be available to our patients through clinical trials.
• A team of specialists. Our board-certified brain tumor specialists — medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, experts in neurosurgery and neurology, radiologists, pathologists, geneticists, specially trained nurses, nutritionists and social workers — meet regularly to discuss each individual case, collect opinions, and offer coordinated and advanced surgical, medical and follow-up care.
• Comforting environment. Our new Duke Cancer Center features spacious waiting areas, a Quiet Room, large infusion rooms, and a rooftop garden area where patients — based on their treatment regimen — can receive chemotherapy outdoors.
• Support for you and your family. Our comprehensive cancer support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.  

Patients or physicians wishing to schedule an appointment with one of our brain tumor specialists can fill out and submit the appropriate online patient information forms.