Clinical Management and Evolving Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Patients with Brain Tumors

Abstract

A dramatic increase in knowledge regarding the molecular biology of brain tumors has been established over the past few years, and this has lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for these patients. In this book a review of the options available for the clinical management of patients with these tumors are outlined. In addition advances in radiology both for pre-operative diagnostic purposes along with surgical planning are described. Furthermore a review of newer developments in chemotherapy along with the evolving field of photodynamic therapy both for intra-operative management and subsequent therapy is provided. A discussion of certain surgical management issues along with tumor induced epilepsy is included. Finally a discussion of the management of certain unique problems including brain metastases, brainstem glioma, central nervous system lymphoma along with issues involving patients with a brain tumor and pregnancy is provided.