Metastatic tumors may arise from tumors originating in the breast, lung, kidney, skin, bladder, colon, or elsewhere in the body. Metastatic tumors occurring in the brain are often treatable and can be managed.
The Johns Hopkins Metastatic Brain Tumor Center is a branch of one of the world's largest brain tumor research and treatment programs. Led by Dr. Michael Lim, the Center strives to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with metastatic brain tumors while furthering research in their prevention and treatment. You can rely on our continual, committed treatment even if your brain tumor has returned.
To request a consultation or appointment, contact the Johns Hopkins Metastatic Brain Tumor Center at 410-955-6406.
Malignant Brain Tumor Surgery: What You Need to Know
Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Chetan Bettegowda, M.D., Ph.D. provides what you need to know about surgical options for malignant brain tumors, including what surgical options are available, when they are considered, how to choose a brain tumor center, and the anticipated course of treatment, recovery time and outcomes
Malignant Brain Tumor Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know
Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Chetan Bettegowda, M.D., Ph.D. discusses when clinical trials are recommended for a patient with a malignant brain tumor diagnosis, understanding the risks involved and making the decision to participate in a clinical trial. He also discusses the latest research for the treatment of brain tumors.
Chemotherapy and Primary Brain Tumors: What You Need to Know
Johns Hopkins oncologist Matthias Holdhoff, M.D., Ph.D. offers a candid conversation on chemotherapy as a treatment option for malignant brain tumors. Learn more about chemotherapy, what you can expect during treatment and the side effects of chemotherapy.
Radiation Oncology for Primary Brain Tumors: What You Need to Know
Johns Hopkins radiation oncologist Lawrence R. Kleinberg, M.D. explains when and how radiation therapy is used to treat primary brain tumors. Learn about the anticipated course of treatment, side effects and how they can be managed.
What You Need to Know
- Metastatic brain tumors are caused by cancer cells elsewhere in the body that spread (metastasize) through the bloodstream to the brain.
- About one-third of patients with another type of cancer will develop one or more metastatic brain tumors. The most common types of cancer that cause metastatic brain tumors are lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma (skin cancer), colon cancer, kidney (renal) cancer, and thyroid cancer.
- The risk for metastatic brain tumors begins to increase in people ages 45 to 65, and is highest in those over 65.
- Metastatic brain tumors are always malignant (cancerous) but are often treatable and can be managed.
Patient Resources
Learn more about metastatic brain tumors in our Health Library.
Watch a webinar presented by Dr. Michael Lim: Metastatic Brain Tumors: What Patients Need to Know.
Read an article:
Why choose Johns Hopkins for treatment of metastatic brain tumor?
Our Team
The Johns Hopkins Metastatic Brain Tumor Center is a collaboration of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncolgists, neuroradiologists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists and skilled nurses and physician assistants. They are deeply dedicated to caring for patients throughout the entire course of metastatic cancer, including recurrences of brain metastases after treatment.
Meet Our Neurosurgeons
Chetan Bettegowda
Brem, Henry
Lim, Michael
David Lin
Jon Weingart
Radiation Oncologists
Lawrence Kleinberg
Kristin Redmond
Physician Assistant
Miller, Dawn, PA-C
Our Treatments
Johns Hopkins specialists use a range of technology for diagnosis and treatment. Our team’s surgical planning uses advanced imaging techniques such as functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging to map tumors and guide operative procedures. Surgery, radiation and stereotactic radiosurgery can target individual tumors and reduce their growth, and new treatments using MRI-guided laser ablation and seed brachytherapy are improving outcomes further.
Hear from Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Michael Lim as he talks about the latest treatment options available for people with brain metastases.
Watch the recording here
Our Research
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Metastatic Brain Tumor Center are actively pursuing new treatments through clinical studies focused on improving outcomes in patients. Studies are examining the effectiveness of combinations of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
More Information About Brain Tumors in the Health Library
