Neuro-Oncology
Fellowship-trained brain tumor surgeons • 12 hospital affiliations across New JerseyNeuro-oncology is the multidisciplinary care of patients with brain and spinal cord tumors, bringing together neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans. Atlantic Brain and Spine’s fellowship-trained brain tumor neurosurgeons work in close collaboration with the neuro-oncology team at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, participating in multidisciplinary tumor board discussions to develop coordinated, evidence-based treatment plans for each patient.
Key takeaways
- Every new brain tumor case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board, bringing together Atlantic Brain and Spine neurosurgeons with the neuro-oncology team at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center and other specialists to develop a coordinated treatment plan.
- Treatment recommendations integrate neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and other specialties to ensure personalized, evidence-based care.
- Eligible patients have access to clinical trials and emerging therapies.
- Molecular tumor profiling including IDH mutation, MGMT methylation, EGFR status, and other biomarkers helps guide prognosis, treatment selection, and eligibility for targeted therapies or clinical trials.
- Care continues beyond surgery through close collaboration between Atlantic Brain and Spine and the neuro-oncology team, with ongoing monitoring of treatment response, side effects, and quality of life.
| Tumor board | Weekly multidisciplinary tumor board bringing together Atlantic Brain and Spine neurosurgeons with the neuro-oncology team at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, along with radiation oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and other specialists |
| Tumors treated | Glioblastoma, low-grade glioma, meningioma, brain metastases, primary CNS lymphoma, spinal cord tumors |
| Molecular profiling | IDH, MGMT, EGFR, 1p/19q, BRAF, TERT, H3K27M guides treatment selection, prognosis, and clinical trial eligibility |
| Clinical trials | Access to clinical trials and emerging therapies when appropriate |
| Supportive care | Access to neuropsychology, social work, palliative care, rehabilitation, and patient navigation |
| Surveillance imaging | MRI every 2 to 3 months for high-grade tumors; less frequently for low-grade tumors and treated brain metastases |
Timing and stay vary by patient and complexity. Your surgeon will confirm what to expect in your case.
Multidisciplinary treatment planning
Every newly diagnosed brain tumor patient at Atlantic Brain and Spine is reviewed by a multidisciplinary brain tumor board before treatment begins. This collaborative conference brings together Atlantic Brain and Spine neurosurgeons with the neuro-oncology team at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, along with radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, and other specialists as needed.
Together, the team reviews each patient’s imaging, pathology, molecular tumor profiling, symptoms, and overall health to develop a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. Rather than receiving separate opinions from multiple specialists, patients benefit from a coordinated treatment recommendation developed through collaborative discussion.
This multidisciplinary approach is particularly valuable for complex cases, including recurrent brain tumors, rare tumor types, and patients who may be candidates for clinical trials or advanced therapies. By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines at the outset, treatment decisions are informed by the full breadth of expertise available at the Glasser Brain Tumor Center.
Molecular profiling and targeted therapy
Modern brain tumor treatment is increasingly guided by the molecular characteristics of the tumor, not just its histological appearance. Key molecular markers evaluated in every surgical specimen include:
- IDH mutation status: IDH-mutated gliomas have significantly better prognosis than IDH-wildtype tumors. IDH mutation is the most important prognostic factor in lower-grade gliomas.
- MGMT promoter methylation: In glioblastoma, MGMT-methylated tumors respond significantly better to temozolomide chemotherapy a critical determinant of treatment benefit and survival.
- 1p/19q codeletion: Defines oligodendroglioma, which responds well to PCV chemotherapy and has a more favorable long-term prognosis than other gliomas.
- EGFR amplification and EGFRvIII: Common in GBM; targeted agents are under active investigation.
- H3K27M mutation: Defines diffuse midline glioma an aggressive tumor arising in the brainstem or thalamus.
Molecular results are discussed at the tumor board and integrated into the treatment recommendation. For eligible patients, specific molecular profiles may open access to clinical trials of targeted agents.
Benefits and risks
Potential benefits
- Coordinated multidisciplinary treatment plan from a single tumor board review
- Access to the most current evidence-based treatments for every brain tumor type
- Molecular profiling enables targeted therapy and identifies clinical trial eligibility
- Integrated supportive care neuropsychology, social work, palliative care addresses the full patient experience
Possible risks
- Brain tumor treatment involves cumulative toxicities from surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy the neuro-oncology team monitors and manages these throughout
- Cognitive effects of treatment (radiation, steroids, anti-epileptic medication) are common and addressed with neuropsychological support
- Clinical trials involve investigational treatments with uncertain risk profiles discussed in detail during informed consent
- Long-term surveillance requires ongoing MRI imaging, which patients may find anxiety-provoking
Your surgeon will review the benefits and risks specific to your diagnosis during your consultation.
What recovery looks like
Neuro-oncology care is ongoing throughout the brain tumor treatment journey:
- At diagnosis Your case is reviewed by the multidisciplinary brain tumor board. Additional testing, including molecular tumor profiling when appropriate, helps guide a personalized treatment plan before therapy begins.
- After surgery Follow-up appointments monitor recovery, review final pathology and molecular results, and coordinate any recommended radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or clinical trial participation. Additional treatment often begins within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the diagnosis and recovery.
- During treatment Regular visits with your neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, and other specialists monitor your response to treatment, manage side effects, and adjust therapy as needed.
- Long-term follow-up Periodic MRI scans monitor for tumor response or recurrence. Imaging frequency varies by tumor type, treatment, and individual risk factors, with ongoing assessment of neurological function and quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a neuro-oncologist and a neurosurgeon?
A neurosurgeon performs the surgical treatment of brain tumors craniotomy, biopsy, resection. A neuro-oncologist is a neurologist or medical oncologist who specializes in non-surgical treatments chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials and in the longitudinal management of patients with brain tumors. The two work together as complementary members of the brain tumor team.
What is MGMT methylation and why does it matter for glioblastoma?
MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) is a DNA repair enzyme. When the MGMT promoter is methylated, the enzyme is silenced meaning tumor cells cannot repair the DNA damage caused by temozolomide chemotherapy. MGMT-methylated GBM patients have significantly better responses to temozolomide and longer survival than unmethylated patients. MGMT status is one of the most important biomarkers in GBM treatment planning.
Can I access clinical trials at Atlantic Health System?
Yes. Atlantic Health System participates in multiple brain tumor clinical trials through its oncology research program. Eligibility for specific trials depends on tumor type, molecular profile, prior treatment, and performance status. Your neuro-oncologist will review trial options relevant to your specific diagnosis and discuss enrollment criteria at your consultation.
What happens at MRI surveillance appointments?
Surveillance MRI scans are reviewed at the tumor board and compared to prior imaging to assess tumor response, detect recurrence, and evaluate treatment-related changes. You will have a neuro-oncology visit after each MRI to discuss the results and any needed adjustments to your treatment plan.
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified neurosurgeon based on your individual diagnosis and imaging. To discuss your options, call Atlantic Brain and Spine Brain Tumor Care at 973.993.7322 or request a consultation.
Brain Tumor Specialists at Atlantic Brain and Spine
Your care is led by Atlantic Brain and Spine's fellowship-trained brain tumor neurosurgeons, who collaborate closely with the neuro-oncology team at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, along with radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans.
