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Neuro-Oncology

The Neuroscience Institute's Neuro-Oncology Program is a unique collaboration between the medical center's Neuroscience and Cancer Institutes.  The program provides comprehensive services to adults and children with primary brain tumors and metastatic lesions to the central nervous system, as well as complex spinal tumors. Each year, MMC treats hundreds of patients with brain and spinal tumors, including some of the most difficult cases in the state - a testament to the experience and expertise available here. The MMC Neuroscience Institute - Neuro-Oncology  The program is lead by Medical Director, Devon Evans, MD, an oncologist with particular expertise in the care of neuro-oncology patients.

A multidisciplinary team including medical oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, pathology and palliative care work together to tailor treatment plans to the individual patient. These plans take into account the needs of each patient and family while providing state-of-the-art care. The team holds monthly case conferences and is developing a research database of more than 1,000 brain tumor patients who have been treated by neurosurgery in recent years to assist in reviewing outcomes and trends in care. Within this data base, patients with benign and malignant brain tumors are tracked, including Glioblastomas (GBM), Menigioma, Astrocytoma, Lymphoma and Oligodendroglioma, as well as metastatic cancer.

Patient Care and Research
Our commitment to patient care is enhanced by the newest advances in surgical techniques, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and neurodiagnostic imaging. The medical center remains on the leading edge of therapy by participating in basic, translational and clinical research in the neuro-oncology arena.  Through our relationship with Maine Medical Center Research Institute, patients have access to the latest treatment protocols as well as appropriate clinical trials - resources that may not be available at other hospitals.

Support
We recognize the tremendous emotional impact a diagnosis of brain or spinal cancer can have on the patient and family, and offers such psychosocial resources as a brain tumor support group. The services of a specialized Neuroscience Patient and Family Liaison are also available to provide personalized, compassionate support to patients and their families throughout the continuum of care, and help connect them with the services they need.