Neurooncology Basics

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists more than 120 brain tumor entities and variants that greatly vary with regard to prognosis and adequate clinical management. Diagnosis and therapy of brain tumors requires specific training and experience and should be performed in dedicated centers.

Diagnosis is based on imaging and histological evaluation. The mainstays of therapy include surgery, radiation therapy and medical therapy (chemotherapy, biological agents). The optimal treatment needs to be selected for each individual patient and is ideally decided on in multidisciplinary tumor boards in neurooncological centers. Before starting therapy, all options are discussed with the patient for informed patient consent. Where needed, therapy comprises supportive care measures, psychology/psychiatry, neurological rehabilitation, logopedics, physiotherapy, or involvement of a social worker.