The Neuro-oncology Unit provides treatment and care for people with tumours of the brain and spinal cord. The unit consists of clinical and research staff who work in collaboration with neurosurgeons, neurologists and endocrinologists in the London area and throughout the UK. Both Professor Brada and Dr Saran see patients referred from centres in the UK and abroad.
There are two teams, one at the Surrey site and one at the London site of the hospital. The latest radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments are available, together with a full range of support and care services.
The unit carries out national and international research studies assessing new treatments, including stereotactic radiotherapy technology and novel chemotherapeutic agents. It is also involved in diagnostic studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET).
The multidisciplinary approach to care
Brain tumours affect people physically, emotionally and socially and the care that they receive must be tailored to reflect their individual needs. All treatments offered to patients reflect this holistic approach. All treatment decisions are made in conjunction with the individual patients and their carers. Patient information sheets on tumours of the brain and spinal cord and how they are treated at the Royal Marsden are available. A multidisciplinary team which comprises doctors and nurses from the neuro-oncology unit alongside occupational and speech therapists, physiotherapists, dieticians, social services and clinical psychologists meets every week. The team regularly assesses the requirements of individuals to ensure that they continue to receive the most appropriate treatment, care and support. The unit also organises support groups for patients and their carers.
During radiotherapy a weekly nurse-led clinic offers continuity of care and the opportunity to raise issues and ask questions. After completion of treatment people are either seen regularly in the outpatient clinic or are contacted through a telephone-based follow-up.
The medical team and nursing team are available for advice and help and everyone being seen in the unit is given the contact details of the members of staff involved in their care.
Features of the unit
- Patients may be offered the chance to participate in ongoing clinical trials being carried out by the unit, if they are eligible
- The Neuro-oncology unit maintains its status as a UK and European leader in the development and evaluation of novel radiotherapy techniques for adults and children with brain tumours
- Stereotactic radiotherapy is a high precision treatment that focuses radiation on the tumour using three dimensional planning procedures, giving as little radiation as possible to normal brain tissue
- Since 1992, stereotactic radiotherapy has been part of our clinical routine and is offered either as a single treatment (radiosurgery) or in a number of treatments (fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy)
- The unit continues to be the leader in the development and evaluation of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy
- We are running a rolling programme of studies in patients with high-grade gliomas which test the efficacy of different chemotherapeutic agents given before standard treatment with radiotherapy. This is a new approach which we hope will identify the most effective drugs to be evaluated in large national and international trials. The first study looked at Temozolomide (Temodal) and we are currently running a study using Carboplatin
- National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Study Temozolomide versus PCV in the treatment of recurrent high grade glioma is designed to assess which of the two treatments is best in this situation. It is run by the Clinical Trials Office of the Medical Research Council and Professor Brada is lead investigator
- We continue to develop innovative strategies for the treatment of glioma, which are more acceptable to patients and carers and this focuses both on more and less intensive treatment approaches
- We have been involved in early studies of Temozolomide (Temodal) and recently completed the investigation of its effectiveness in low-grade gliomas
- We are participating in a European-wide study for patients whose original cancer has spread to their brain (brain metastases). This study is comparing whole brain radiotherapy with supportive care following surgery or radiosurgery for solitary brain metastases
- Professor Brada is the Chairman of the NCRI Brain Tumour Group, leading national research studies of new treatment of brain tumours.
Staff
Head of Unit
Dr F Saran, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
ConsultantsProfessor M Brada, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Dr F Saran, Consultant Clinical Oncologist