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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Brain and Spine Cancer

Condition: Brain and Spine Cancer

Neurosurgical oncology tackles brain and spinal tumors with a team approach, using the expertise of three neurosurgeons, two radiation oncologists, an interventional neuroradiologist, a neuropathologist, a neuro-oncologist, several neuroradiologists, and specialized nurses.

The group’s brain tumor board meets weekly to discuss cases, taking advantage of their collective areas of expertise to offer individualized care. Certain complex neurosurgical cases are done in combination with otolaryngology or orthopaedic surgeons. Spinal tumor patients are considered as well.

At UAMS Health, because we work as a team, we are able to help patients find the treatment that is best for them, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The brain tumor team has the advantage of several resources unique to the state.

Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) uses the Robotized Stereotactic Assistant (ROSA) Robot to implant a laser fiber into the tumor, which is destroyed with heat while the surgeon watches in real time on an MRI.

UAMS Health continues to have the only Gamma Knife Center in the state. Gamma Knife radiosurgery uses up to 192 beams of radiation focused with extreme accuracy on the tumor. Using the latest diagnostic imaging and specialized 3D treatment planning software, the neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists design a customized treatment plan that directs the beams to the tumor.

UAMS Health has two Varian TrueBeam STx Linear Accelerators, which deliver precision external beam radiation with ultra-high doses. UAMS Health is the first in the state to upgrade the capability of these accelerators to use the latest technology for stereotactic radiosurgery. The new update matches the accuracy of the Gamma Knife technology, but significantly reduces treatment times.

UAMS Health is the only center in the state to offer awake craniotomy to enhance the safety of brain tumor surgery and to ensure preservation of important functions like speech and motor skills.

The team has begun tumor tissue banking. Consenting patients give a sample of their brain tumor for genetic analysis. In some cases, the results indicate a known recommended treatment path. In other cases, the information is retained — along with treatments and outcomes — and compiled with similar data. With the help of the UAMS Department of Biomedical Informatics, researchers hope trends will emerge.

UAMS is developing the ability to utilize patient-derived xenografts (PDX) — cultured tumor cells from the patient — for personalized treatment based upon the specific characteristics and genetics of the tumor. Treatments can be tested on the xenografts in the lab, identifying the best approach for the patient’s tumor.

Patients can also be connected with clinical trials. Some of our research focuses on glioblastoma, on innovative surgical techniques for difficult-to-access locations, like deep brain surgeries using BrainPath technology and minimally invasive approaches. These surgical techniques are only practiced at a handful of institutions in the nation.

Contents

  • Resources
  • Clinical Trials
  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Resources Related to Brain and Spine Cancer

Pituitary Tumors Treatment (Article)

Treatment for pituitary tumors depends on the type of tumor and the type of excess hormones it may make. Many pituitary tumors can be removed by surgery.

Read the Article

Clinical Trials

Search our clinical trials for those related to Brain and Spine Cancer.

Treatments and Procedures Related to Brain and Spine Cancer

UAMS Health providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Cancer Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Quality of Life Management
  • Radiation Therapy

Providers Diagnosing or Treating Brain and Spine Cancer

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Brain and Spine Cancer. Review each provider for availability.

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Richard L. Crownover, M.D., Ph.D.

Richard L. Crownover, M.D., Ph.D. Radiation Oncologist

View Profile
Leslie M. Harrell, D.O.

Leslie M. Harrell, D.O. Radiation Oncologist

View Profile
T. Glenn Pait, M.D.

T. Glenn Pait, M.D. Neurosurgeon

View Profile
Viktoras Palys, M.D.

Viktoras Palys, M.D. Neurosurgeon

View Profile
Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D.

Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D. Neurosurgeon

View Profile
Erika Santos Horta, M.D.

Erika Santos Horta, M.D. Neurologist

View Profile
Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D.

Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D. Radiation Oncologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Brain and Spine Cancer

Note that the treatment of Brain and Spine Cancer may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Neurosurgery Clinic

Neurosurgery Clinic

501 Jack Stephens Drive
UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-5270
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of Radiation Oncology Center and Proton Center of Arkansas

Radiation Oncology Center

3900 W. Capitol Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-664-4568
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Brain and Spine Cancer

Doctor holding brain scans

Brain and Spine Cancer Care (Part of Cancer Care)

The Neurosurgical oncology team tackles brain and spinal tumors with a true team approach.

View Area of Expertise
Image of male doctor giving intravenous drip chemotherapy treatment to a female cancer patient.

Cancer Care

The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is Arkansas’ most comprehensive cancer treatment and research facility.

View Area of Expertise
Doctor and patient using digital tablet in hospital

Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgeons perform research, multiple clinical trials and are the leaders for simple and complex surgeries not available at other centers in Arkansas.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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