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UC Irvine has the only comprehensive brain tumor program in Orange County and one out of three such programs in Southern California. The world-class multidisciplinary team enlists the advanced clinical expertise of specialists in medical neuro-oncology, surgical neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, psychology and psychiatry.

Medical Neuro-Oncology

By combining the two disciplines of neurology and oncology, through fellowship training in neuro-oncology after completing a neurology residency, medical neuro-oncologists provide comprehensive evaluation and medical care for brain tumor patients. Whether the problem is seizures, peripheral neuropathy, cognitive difficulties, or the need for chemotherapy, radiation therapy or experimental therapy, medical neuro-oncologists are trained and experienced to individually tailor an optimal treatment plan for each patient.

Medical neuro-oncology nurses are certified in oncology and skilled in caring for patients with brain and spinal tumors in all phases of their treatment.

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Surgical Neuro-Oncology

A surgical neuro-oncologist is a neurosurgeon with advanced subspecialty training and experience in all types of brain, spine and spinal cord tumor surgery. Specialized surgical oncology technical expertise at UC Irvine includes advanced microsurgery, image-guided surgery (including intra-operative MR tumor resection), awake cortical brain mapping, skull base endoscopic and microsurgical resections, stereotaxis, brachytherapy and PerFexion Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery. Surgical neuro-oncologists work with other specialists, including medical neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists to optimize individualized patient care.

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Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy is one of the proven cornerstones of advanced, multi-modality malignant brain tumor therapy. Radiation-oncologists are physicians with advanced training and experience in the safe and effective delivery of therapeutic radiation. Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is an advanced radiotherapy technique that spares normal tissue while maintaining the highest possible therapeutic dose to the tumor. At UC Irvine, IMRT and spine radiosurgeries are performed with one of the newest and most advanced machines in the world - the Varian Trilogy. Cranial stereotactic radiosurgery is performed using a Gamma Knife PerFexion unit.

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Neuropathology

A neuropathologist is a pathologist who has advanced subspecialty training in diagnosing diseases of the brain and the nervous system through examining microscopic and molecular biology gene expression of tissue samples obtained by the neurosurgeons during biopsy. 

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Neuroradiology

A neuroradiologist is a radiologist who specializes in obtaining and interpreting imaging of the nervous system. They are able to evaluate abnormalities of the brain by interpreting computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and angiograms of the brain and spinal cord. Advanced neuroimaging technologies available at UC Irvine include: functional MR scanning; diffusion tensor imaging; MR spectroscopy and MR perfusion studies. These special capabilities are critical for distinguishing tumor progression from treatment response, defining the outer limits of infiltrating tumors, as well as helping surgical neuro-oncologists plan the safest possible surgeries. Our team of neuroradiologists also includes neuro-interventional radiologists (NIR) who can selectively deliver chemotherapy just to tumor blood vessels as well as selectively embolize, or break up, tumors in preparation for surgery.  

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Neuropsychology

Neuropsychologists are part of both the evaluation and the rehabilitation team and offer valuable services. These specialists can help individuals cope with the psychological, mental and emotional stresses and conditions associated with brain tumors and aid patients to improve and maintain quality of life.

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Clinical Nursing

Clinical nurses are a critical part of the patient’s care by supporting physicians and helping patients discuss the purpose of treatment changes to be expected. They are specially trained as patient and family educators and serve as readily available essential patient and family support resources and clinical care coordinators. 

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Social Work

Social workers are a source of information, support and advocacy for the patients. They may perform psycho-social assessments and focus on how you and your family are functioning psychologically and socially. The social worker may also serve as a resource for insurance policies and information and may advise you on which services are covered under your plan.

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