Treatment for Brain Tumors

As one of the largest brain tumor centers in the world, The Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center treats hundreds of patients every year, even those with the rarest types of brain tumors. A team of doctors with expertise in your type of brain tumor will work together to recommend the most effective and safest treatment options and deliver expert care tailored to your individual situation.

Infographic: Advancements in Brain Tumor Treatment
Brain tumor treatment continues to evolve with new techniques and technologies. Here’s a look at some newer developments that may improve the outlook for those living with brain tumors.

YouTube video placeholder image
Patient Story

Brain Tumor Treatment | Advances Over 10 Years: Carlos’ Story

As Carlos faced the large regrowth of his malignant brain tumor over the 10 years post-surgery, his team at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center was working on advancing brain tumor treatments. Watch how Carlos’ physician-scientists were able to recommend a clinical trial using a recent discovery to help shrink his tumor.
 

Why Choose Johns Hopkins for Brain Tumor Treatment?

Your specific treatment will depend on many things, including the type, size and location of the tumor; whether it is benign or malignant; your general health and your preferences regarding potential treatment options. At Johns Hopkins, our neurosurgeons have access to the range of treatments available.

  • If you have a slowly growing tumor, your neurosurgeon may recommend observation, which is keeping a close watch on the tumor without any immediate treatment. 

  • Surgery, the most common approach to brain tumors, may be the best treatment option for larger or more aggressive tumors.

  • Radiation and chemotherapy are other modalities may also be used.​ 

  • Your neurosurgeon may also treat the brain tumor with one or more of the newer therapies such as MRI-guided laser ablation, ​TT fields (tumor-treating fields) or tubular retractor systems.

  • Other treatment options include GLIADEL® wafer and GliaSite Radiation Therapy System (RTS). These therapies for malignant brain tumors were discovered and developed by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center, and both of these treatments are now used nationwide.

  • Children with brain tumors need specialized approaches and care to accommodate their developing brains and bodies.

How is a Brain Tumor Treatment Plan Developed

Jon Weingart, MD, discusses how a treatment plan is created. Dr Weingart is a neurosurgeon and professor of Neurological Surgery and Oncology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Care and Support During Brain Tumor Treatment

A nurse comforts a patient

A nurse, physician assistant or medical affairs coordinator will work closely with the neurosurgeon to coordinate your care and assist you in making appointments to see other doctors at Johns Hopkins or for tests or treatments. You will also receive written information about:

Brain Tumor Clinical Trials

Clinical Trial testing under microscope

The Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center plays a leading role nationally in designing and conducting clinical trials in brain tumors.

Learn more about brain tumor clinical trials at Johns Hopkins

More Information About Brain Tumors in the Health Library

brain tumor promotional graphic