Neuro-Oncology

The Neuro-oncology Service at Duke University follows two patient populations.

In the first group, a large number of patients are cared for with primary brain tumors. The goal is to provide high quality care as well as conduct ongoing clinical research, often on formal study protocols. Current major areas of clinical research include the use of radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies, as well as a variety of investigational chemotherapeutic agents in treating patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant brain tumors. Research is conducted on an outpatient basis with the cooperation of local and regional oncologists for patients who live some distance from Duke. Radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies and intra-arterial chemotherapy are offered to appropriate patients on an inpatient basis.

Duke acts as a coordinating center for a six member brain tumor consortium known as the CNS Cancer Consortium, which includes sites in the Midwest, east coast, southeast, and in Canada.

In the second group of patients, those with neurologic complications of systemic cancer, we offer a number of novel treatment approaches, particularly for those with leptomeningeal metastases. This includes the use of radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies and investigational chemotherapies for intrathecal use including 4-Hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC), and Melphalan. We will soon be expanding our clinical trials to include intrathecal immunotoxins. These leptomeningeal protocols are a unique feature of our Neuro-oncology Service here at Duke.

There is excellent pediatric neuro-oncology at Duke that works closely with the adult service. This service is involved in treating patients with a variety of primary brain tumors. The two services collaborate to some extent on a number of joint protocols including the radiolabelled monoclonal antibody and intrathecal chemotherapy protocols above.

The Neuro-oncology Service offers an NIH-funded Fellowship Training Grant and is actively recruiting qualified neurologists for this grant. The Training Grant allows Neuro-oncology Fellowship training which includes a one-year clinical fellowship with the option for up to two additional years in a laboratory setting.

Henry Friedman, M.D.
Jennifer Quinn, M.D.
Jeremy Rich, M.D.

 

For more information:

The Brain Tumor Center at Duke

Neurosurgical Program at Duke University Medical Center