Brain and spine cancer

Cancer specialists at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis deliver personalized care for brain and spine cancer

Brain and spine cancer care in Indiana

Cancer specialists at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis deliver personalized care for brain and spine cancer

Cancer care at Ascension St. Vincent

At Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, our experienced brain and spine cancer specialists are part of a national network of physicians, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for central nervous system cancers, including brain and spinal tumor care — bringing the best of oncology care close to home.

Comprehensive care for brain and spine cancer in Indianapolis

When you choose Ascension St. Vincent, you get a multidisciplinary team that prioritizes early and personalized treatment delivered by board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, along with a care navigator and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians and other cancer specialists. Your doctors and care team will develop a customized care plan from diagnosis through survivorship.

A team approach that helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may include imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy or other speciality services. You do not have to navigate your care alone.

Upon your cancer diagnosis or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator to help coordinate appointments and connect you with the services you need.

Types of brain and spine cancer

Your doctors and care team at Ascension St. Vincent deliver a customized care plan for you. We treat many types of brain and spine cancers, including:

Astrocytoma
Benign tumors
- Glioma
- Colloid cyst
Brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain from a different part of the body)
Ependymoma
Malignant tumors
- Glioblastoma (subtype of astrocytomas)
Medulloblastoma (common in children)
Metastatic spine tumors (most common overall)
Pituitary tumors
Schwannoma
Skull base tumors
Spinal tumors
Tumors of the central nervous system

Our brain and spine specialists also provide care for meningioma and other rare conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Diagnosing brain and spine cancer

Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. Your care team focuses on identifying whether the tumor is noninvasive or invasive, determining where the tumor began and whether the cancer has spread. We use advanced molecular and genetic testing to help guide treatment planning.

To diagnose brain and spine cancer, your doctor may recommend testing, such as

Advanced imaging procedures help your doctor diagnose all types of brain disease, including primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer (cancers that spread to the brain from another part of the body, also called metastatic cancers).

Biopsy tests analyze brain tissue and spinal fluid to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Blood tests can provide important information about your health and may help confirm or rule out certain blood disorders or cancers.

Endovascular neurosurgery is practiced by a neurosurgeon or neuroradiologist specially trained in neurointerventional surgery. The word “endovascular” means inside a blood vessel. This type of surgery, also known as interventional neuroradiology, is done with thin tubes (catheters) and small tools placed inside the blood vessels. The surgeon often uses radiology images at the same time to see the part of the body being treated.

A neurological exam, also called a neuro exam, is an evaluation of your nervous system that can be done in your provider's office to check your reflexes, coordination and cognitive response.

Brain and spine cancer treatment

Your treatment options for brain and spine cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery.

Chemotherapy (often shortened to chemo) is a drug-based treatment used to slow the growth of or shrink tumors. Chemo can be given through an IV or taken in pill form, and be given before or after surgery, or along with radiation therapy.

Cancer research and clinical trials can give you access to new treatments, often before they become widely available. Talk to your doctor to learn whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a noninvasive treatment option for certain brain tumors, often used as an alternative to traditional brain surgery. During this outpatient procedure, gamma radiation beams are delivered to small areas within the brain. This targeted radiation therapy helps focus the beams to reduce exposure of healthy tissue. Because it’s noninvasive, you may experience less scarring and a shorter recovery time.

Radiosurgery and advanced radiation therapies are used to target and destroy cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy tissue.

Your cancer care team provides support, from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups and spiritual care. At Ascension St. Vincent, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and their loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts your body’s immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells. It uses substances that are either made in the body or in a lab to shrink tumors or slow tumor growth.

Ask about virtual care (telehealth or online) appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care. You can have these virtual visits from the comfort of your home and be able to talk with your doctor one-on-one via video from your phone or computer.

When you’re going through cancer care, we’re by your side

Cancer is personal, and so is the way we care for you. At Ascension St. Vincent, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor and an entire care team dedicated to your care — connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and care navigator will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small.

By getting to know you and working together, your care team develops a plan based on your goals and needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to your daily life.

How to get care for spine or brain cancer

To make an appointment with a spine or brain cancer specialist, you’ll need a referral from your primary care doctor or another specialist. Once we receive and review your referral, we’ll contact you to schedule an appointment with a neurologist.

Frequently asked questions about brain and spine cancer care

Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person — your physical and mental health. We also provide compassionate, personalized support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension St. Vincent, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our brain cancer specialists are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.

At Ascension St. Vincent, you get an entire team dedicated to your care. You may have many concerns and questions. Your doctor and care team are ready to listen and answer your questions. Working together, we offer services that help support your treatment plan, including managing headaches, vision changes, problems with balance, medications, appetite changes, sleeplessness, fatigue and mood changes. Your care team stays connected throughout your care to discuss your treatment and progress.

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.

At Ascension St. Vincent cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.

Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.