Still Running: How Brain Surgery Got a Glioblastoma Patient Back in the Race
At 77, Tom Brand was diagnosed with glioblastoma after losing his ability to speak. Following advanced brain surgery and coordinated care, he returned to running marathons with his wife—just months after treatment.
Brain Surgery Saved Her Life – Now She Saves Others as She Stands With Ukraine
After life-saving brain tumor surgery, Mariya Martynenko transformed her recovery into a mission—supporting Ukrainian refugees, veterans, and frontline caregivers while continuing her own journey of healing.
It Takes a Team: How Collaborative Care Treated a Brain Tumor
When troubling symptoms turned out to be a brain tumor, Chris found expert, collaborative care at Atlantic Brain and Spine. A minimally invasive surgery gave him back his energy—and his ability to keep up with his nephews.
Stephen A. Johnson, MD, Joins Atlantic Brain and Spine
Central New Jersey residents now have expanded access to world-class neurosurgical care with the addition of Stephen A. Johnson, MD, to Atlantic Brain and Spine (ABS).
Curing a Rare Brain Tumor
When a migraine became so intense it required an emergency room visit, Edyta P. was diagnosed with a rare and very complex brain tumor.
When is Neck Pain More than Just Stress?
After being told her neck pain was due to stress, 34-year-old Erika Kiel discovered she had a malignant tumor in her brainstem and made an incredible recovery following neurosurgery.
From Brain Tumor Patient to Martial Arts Champion
Discover how Jim F. transformed from a brain tumor patient to a martial arts champion after surgery at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center. With expert care and determination, Jim found strength and peace of mind, pursuing his passion for karate.
Finally Free From Facial Pain
It took three years to uncover what was causing Jill’s excruciating throat and ear pain. After facing misdiagnosis and an unsuccessful surgery, this Florida resident traveled hundreds of miles to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for her rare condition.
One ‘Miraculous’ Brain Surgery Saves Two Lives
Jessica G. was desperate for relief from trigeminal neuralgia and the excruciating facial pain that prevented her from eating or drinking while she was pregnant, putting her and her unborn daughter’s life at risk.
Setting Out to See the World After Brain Surgery
Nancy M. nearly lost half of her vision due to a large skull base tumor that was straining her optic nerves. Thanks to successful skull base surgery at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, she is now tumor-free and redefining her life.
Introducing Noninvasive Treatment for Brain Tumor Patients
The ABS Brain Tumor Center has added a new and innovative form of therapy to their treatment arsenal in the battle against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Affecting nearly 10,000 Americans annually, GBM is the one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-control forms of primary brain tumors in the United States.
HOPE Is Everything
When the 61-year-old was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, she saw only one path forward: hope that she’d be one of the 1% of glioblastoma patients who’d survive 10 years.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Brain cancer treatment is evolving every day, and laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is one of the most significant new advancements.
Former Marine Battles Brain Cancer with Life-Saving Tumor Treatment
Ray Aponte braved the harrowing experiences of war. Yet, he was never more terrified than when he learned he had a malignant brain tumor – one that, if he survived, would threaten his ability to talk or move for the rest of his life. See how Ray’s awake brain surgery and personalized targeted drug treatments are enabling him to live his life to the fullest.
A Return to Normal Life After Successful Skull Base Tumor Treatment
Six months after undergoing highly specialized surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma – Erika Dewling has a message for others.
The Basics of Skull Base Brain Tumors
Fabio Frisoli, MD, Director of Skull Base Neurosurgery at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, shares what patients and caregivers need to know.
Changing the Paradigm for the Treatment of Metastatic Lung Cancer in the Brain
Survival for patients with brain metastases from lung cancer is increasing – thanks to advancements in immunotherapy and personalized medications that target specific gene mutations, penetrate into the brain and have a high likelihood of success.
Preventive Chemotherapy Slashes the Risk of Lymphoma Spreading to the Central Nervous System
Certain lymphomas tend to enter the central nervous system and reach the brain. For high-risk patients, taking a novel and proactive approach to chemotherapy can reduce the likelihood of developing brain metastases by approximately 90%.
Breast Cancer and the Brain: Staying on Top of Neurologic Symptoms Is Key
With new advances in breast cancer care, patients are living longer than ever before with a higher incidence of brain metastases.
Prevention of Brain Metastases from Small Cell Lung Cancer Is Possible
In 2021, 230,000 adults in the U.S. were diagnosed with lung cancer. Of those, 13% had small cell lung cancer – an aggressive form of cancer known for spreading quickly throughout the body and to the brain. The good news is … preventing brain metastases from this type of cancer is possible.
Next-Generation Sequencing: The Key to Next-Level Brain Tumor Treatment
Next-generation sequencing – similar to a search engine that combs through thousands of genes to find abnormalities in the single one that causes a patient’s cancer – is revolutionizing brain cancer care. An intimate understanding of a tumor’s mutations, or lack thereof, means more personalized and effective treatment plans.
Living with Brain Cancer: Attitude is Everything
At 43, Lindsay Vieira was diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma, a rare type of cancerous brain tumor. The Glasser Brain Tumor Center team used stereotactic imaging and GPS-like technology – along with electrical stimulation brain mapping – to remove her entire tumor and keep all of her neurological functions intact.
Technology That Is Transforming Brain Surgery
When Lisa Vidal was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, she did something novel among most brain tumor patients. She drank a pink liquid that made her tumor glow, empowering our neurosurgeons to safely remove her tumor with pinpoint accuracy.
Tumor Treating Fields Noninvasively Destroy Cancer Cells
Tumor treating fields – electric fields that disrupt the electrical charge in the protein that causes cancer cell division – are revolutionizing the treatment of glioblastomas. Neuro-oncologist Nicholas Metrus, MD, describes a new wearable, portable, FDA-approved treatment that creates TTF, interfering with dividing tumor cells and causing them to die.
Immunotherapy in Action: Changing the Game for Cancer Survival
Years ago, having brain metastases meant a patient would likely have a grim prognosis. Now with immunotherapy and targeted therapy, the game has changed for a number of diseases. Medical oncologist Andrew M. Bernstein, DO, explains.
New Jersey woman’s brain tumor removed through nose in high-tech operation
Kellieann, a mother of four from Warren, NJ, had a brain tumor removed via her nostrils at Morristown Medical Center. It’s a high-tech alternative to the traditional surgery, which requires cracking open the skull and possibly manipulating the brain.
When Awake Brain Surgery is the Only Option
Overlook Medical Center’s neurosurgeon Yaron Moshel, MD, PhD, co-director of the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, describes why awake brain surgery was the best surgical approach for a young mother and school teacher with a brain tumor.
The Impact of Immuno-Oncology on Melanoma Brain Metastases
New immuno-oncology drugs have drastically improved survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma. This includes combination immunotherapy drugs that yield a 50% response rate for patients with melanoma brain metastases, which is why immuno-oncology treatment is typically the best first course of action.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Is on the Rise: Why a Growing Population of Patients with Brain Metastases Are Candidates for CyberKnife®
CyberKnife has completely changed the way metastatic brain tumors are treated by administering radiation only where it’s needed – and not where it’s not.
Beating Metastatic Brain Cancer with Surgery and CyberKnife
“You are disease-free in the brain.” Hearing these words nearly a year after discovering kidney cancer had spread to his brain brought 56-year-old Edward Battaglia to tears. This triumph was his latest victory in a cancer journey that spans more than a decade.
Fluorescent imaging is Lighting the Way
The Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center is one of the first providers in New Jersey to harness the power of fluorescent imaging to treat brain tumors.
Neurosurgery Saved Me From Going Blind
Basil Figliano, an electrician from Bridgewater, New Jersey, had perfect vision his entire life. In fact, he went for his first ophthalmologist appointment at the age of 56. Over the next few months, Basil felt his vision getting drastically worse.
South Plainfield Woman Says ‘Thank You Isn’t Enough’ After Removal of Complex Brain Tumor
For most people, occasional ringing or popping in the ear isn’t cause for concern. When it becomes persistent, however, Laura Castro Angarita of South Plainfield, New Jersey will tell you that’s a different story.
Treating Recurrent Gliomas with Intense Precision … and Hope
At Atlantic Brain and Spine, our team treats recurrent gliomas with advanced surgical and medical options, delivering precise care and renewed hope for patients and families facing this challenging diagnosis.
Glioblastoma: Is One of Our Current Clinical Trials Right for You?
At the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, two clinical trials to evaluate the potential role of immunotherapy – specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors – in patients with glioblastoma are currently underway.
Combining the Best in Medical and Non-Medical Care
At the Glasser Brain Tumor Center, our multidisciplinary team – including our social work navigator – work closely with patients and their families, providing appointment scheduling, referrals and other support as well as the counseling that enables emotional and mental wellbeing.
Revolutionizing the Removal of Complex Glioma Tumors
Atlantic Brain and Spine offers expert care for complex glioma tumors, providing advanced treatment options for patients facing challenging brain tumor diagnoses.
Dealing with the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy … with all of its wondrous outcomes … can cause many side effects. What’s the best way to combat them? A combination of medical and holistic approaches can be very effective in relieving nausea, constipation, fatigue and low blood cell counts.
Top Lawyer Credits Health After Brain Surgery to NJ-Based Neurosurgical Care
Chatham resident Mark Boyland went from brain tumor-induced seizures to white water sports in seven weeks.
Molecular Testing Guides Precise Treatment Options
For decades, examining a biopsy under the microscope is where the diagnosis of a brain tumor began ... and ended. However – since different tumors often appear to be alike under the microscope – the precise diagnosis was often questionable, leaving doctors and patients unsettled. Today’s current approach goes much further thanks to molecular testing.
CyberKnife®: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
When the CyberKnife radiosurgery program opened at Overlook Medical Center in 2004, it was considered a novel technological advancement. Today, our center is the largest CyberKnife program in New Jersey.
Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center Joins National Quality Outcomes Registry
NeuroPoint Alliance is a nonprofit organization that transforms data into quality patient care through the collection, analysis and reporting of clinical data.
Battling a Brain Tumor, Single Mother Finds Neurosurgeon Who Helps Her Put Kids First
As a single mother juggling teenagers and a demanding job, Susan Pisarchik dismissed her headaches and vision problems as signs of aging—until an MRI revealed a large skull base brain tumor. With the expertise and compassion of neurosurgeon Dr. Yaron A. Moshel at Atlantic Brain and Spine, Susan underwent a complex surgery that saved her life and allowed her to be there for her children’s biggest milestones.
Top-Tier Neuro-Oncologists Join Brain Tumor Center Team
For the more than one thousand patients cared for here each year, the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center delivers state-of-the-art care while easing minds, comforting families, and keeping hope alive.
Healing the Brain – Sudden Seizure Leads to Brain Tumor Discovery
Just weeks after his month-long stay at Overlook and a brief stint in rehab, Sam returned to Fairleigh Dickinson University. He graduated with honors.
From Brain Tumor to Best Man
“I had the shock of my life when the physician told me I had a brain tumor,” says Joe, who was immediately admitted to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit for further evaluation by the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center team.
After Rare Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Aspiring New Jersey Lawyer Powers Through Cardiac Surgery and Neurosurgery
Unusual circumstances bring surgeons together to partner, putting the patient first.
Operating at the Intersection of Medicine and Ministry
Brian D. Beyerl, MD, FACS When Dr. Brian D. Beyerl achieved his certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1990, he knew his training wasn’t complete. He had already completed his post-graduate surgery training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and his neurosurgical residency at Massachusetts [...]
Beating the odds: High-risk neurosurgery saves a young man’s life
"I was a healthy 21-year-old attending my junior year at Seton Hall University when I experienced headaches and neck pain for six straight days," said John. "I knew something wasn't right, so I drove myself to the emergency room and was then admitted to the intensive care unit at Overlook Medical Center in Summit.”
After a brain tumor diagnosis, be smart about your next move
Dr. Beyerl offers tips to patients who have been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Atlantic Health System: Advances for Brain Tumors
Drawing on the specialists and expertise of the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, provides diagnosis and treatment of both benign and cancerous tumors of the brain, skull base, spine and spinal cord.
