Brain Tumor Treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center

Adult brain tumors occur when cancer cells grow in the tissues of the brain. An estimated 20,500 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States during 2007. The causes of most are unknown. The only environmental factor clearly connected is high-dose radiation exposure.

Tumors that start in the brain are called primary brain tumors. Metastatic brain tumors start somewhere else in the body and spread, or metastasize, to the brain.

Types of Brain Tumors

• Brain Stem Gliomas
• Pineal Astrocytic Tumors, including Pilocytic Astrocytoma, Diffuse Astrocytoma,  Anaplastic Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma
• Oligodendroglial Tumors, including Oligodendroglioma, Anaplastic oligodendroglioma
• Mixed Gliomas
• Oligoastrocytoma, including Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma
• Ependymal Tumors, also called ependymomas, including Anaplastic ependymoma
• Medulloblastoma
• Pineal Parenchymal Tumors, including Pineoblastomas
• Meningeal Tumors, including meningiomas and hemangiopericytomas
• Germ Cell Tumors
• Craniopharyngioma

The University of Colorado Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program

The UCCC Brain Tumor Program is renowned for brain tumor research and care. As part of the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Rocky Mountain region, the program:

• Is a multidisciplinary team of doctors and surgeons that specialize in caring for brain tumors
• Offers state-of-the-art treatment for both common and rare cancers
• Provides access to the latest drugs and vaccines through clinical trials, years before they may be more freely available
• Is a recognized center for second opinions on brain tumors

We’re the Region’s Only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Colorado Cancer Center  is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Rocky Mountain Region-and one of only 39 in the United States.

• This designation means that we are recognized as leaders in providing outstanding cancer care and cancer-related education, and in driving new research
• No other cancer center in the region offers the expertise we do

We’re One of the Nation’s Best Cancer Centers

U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s adult patient care center at University of Colorado Hospital among the best cancer programs in the nation.

• In 2007, we ranked 35^th overall and among the ten best in the West
• 5280 Magazine consistently votes our cancer doctors among the best in Colorado
• We have more cancer doctors listed among Best Doctors in America than any other cancer center in the region