Rare and Hard-to-Treat Tumors

Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine offers comprehensive, leading-edge care for patients with primary or metastatic tumors of the brain or spine. Our team includes experts who specialize in almost every type of brain and spine tumor, including rare and challenging tumors such as:

• Glioblastoma
• Astrocytoma
• Oligodendroglioma
• Meningioma
• Chordoma
• Ependymoma
• Hemangioblastoma
• Pineal Tumors
• Pituitary Tumors
• Medulloblastoma
• Neurofibromas
• Hemangiopericytoma/Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the CNS
• Primary CNS Lymphoma

Clinical Trials for Rare Tumors

Ranked in the top 10 nationally in scientific research funding, our physician-scientists have pioneered new therapies and developed standards of care to improve quality of life and prolong survival for patients with rare brain and spine tumors. We offer one of the largest clinical trial portfolios for brain tumors in the Midwest, giving our patients access to therapies that are not yet widely available.

Accurately Identify Your Diagnosis

We’re proud to be one of the first institutions in the U.S. to offer DNA methylation profiling to help diagnose brain tumors. Methylation profiling helps us to more accurately identify what type of brain tumor you have by analyzing the epigenetic makeup of the tumor.

Through a chemical process called methylation, we can see your tumor’s unique DNA pattern or profile. Think of it like a fingerprint: two different kinds of tumor have very different methylation fingerprints, so even though two tumors may look the same under a microscope, they have very different profiles. This means the tumors can behave very differently and need different types of treatment, which could change your treatment plan.

We offer a comprehensive combination of testing that includes histopathologic (microscope), genetic (next generation sequencing), and epigenetic (methylation profiling). This enables us to thoroughly interrogate all types of tumor tissue and accurately identify your diagnosis.

After you receive a brain or spine tumor diagnosis, finding the right treatment can seem overwhelming. Getting a second opinion can help you feel confident about your diagnosis and treatment plan. People across the country turn to our team of leading experts for second opinions.

Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment

At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, you will have access to the latest imaging and diagnostic tools. You will also have access to the most advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Our neuro-oncology team is one of the largest in the country and includes world-renowned experts. Our radiation oncologists use the latest radiation technologies, including radiosurgery and proton beam therapy.

The Northwestern Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board or the Brain Metastases Tumor Board will evaluate patients with complex diseases. These boards are made up of some of the world’s leading experts in their fields and include:

• Neurosurgeons
• Neuro-oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Neuroradiologists
• Neuropathologists
• Neurologists specializing in tumor-related epilepsy
• Cancer genetic counselors

Improved Outcomes for Brain and Spine Tumors

Our physicians and research scientists relentlessly search for new treatments for glioblastoma and other gliomas, brain metastases, meningioma, and other brain and spine tumors. These efforts have contributed to new treatments and better outcomes for our patients. Our commitment to clinical research and bringing the most advanced treatments to our patients means better survival rates and a better quality of life.

Expert Pathology Reports

At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, our renowned neuropathology team specializes in tumors of the central nervous system. We provide evaluations for brain and spine tumors, combining clinical, radiologic, pathologic and molecular data to make accurate diagnoses. This translates to better treatments and outcomes. We can also analyze tissue that has been removed at other institutions as part of a second opinion.