USC/Norris Neuro-Oncology Program

In excising brain tumors, our physicians have adopted the strategy of maximizing the use of pre-operative information to pinpoint the location of the tumor and minimizing the risk to surrounding areas of the brain.

The USC/Norris Neuro Oncology program utilizes advanced neuronavigational technology and frameless stereotactic devices to better localize brain tumors. Making efficient use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), our surgeons substitute the traditional stereotactic frame, which must be anchored to the skull for scalp markers. A sophisticated neuronavigational computer software system then uses these multiple markers as registration points, translating a flat image into 3-D space. This approach enables the use of more local anesthesia to perform open brain surgery, thus avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia. Another advantage of this technique to the patient is a shorter hospital stay.

We use positron emission tomography (PET) and, for some tumors, MR spectroscopy to assess the metabolic status of the tumor. This information helps differentiate between tumor recurrence and tissue necrosis. Additionally, we use functional MR imaging in tumors involving eloquent areas of brain to better plan surgery.

USC University Hospital is one of six facilities in California to offer an advanced Gamma Knife and only one of two in Los Angeles to feature its latest version, model C. In addition, USC is one of three centers in California offering cyberknife, stereotactic radiotherapy. Considered one the most significant developments in neurosurgery, this device is designed to deliver enough radiation to destroy the tumor while sparing adjacent, normal tissue. Providing surgeons with non-invasive method of treating inoperable brain tumors, the goal of gamma or cyberknife treatment is to reduce risk to the patient while maximizing the therapies effectiveness.

USC is one of a handful of universities where the interventional neuroradiologists are part of the neuro-oncology team. These physicians specialize in the embolization of tumors of the brain. The lesions are treated and are then more amenable to surgical and radiological therapies.

Description of Neuro-Oncology Program

• Clinics are held at Norris Cancer Center on Mondays and some Friday mornings.
• Clinics held at LA County-USC Hospital every first and third week with Dr. Chen
• Surgery performed at USC University Hospital
• Radiation therapy is administered at USC/Norris Cancer Center



USC/Norris Neuro-Oncology Program

Wealth of Surgical and Radiological Expertise In excising brain tumors, our physicians have adopted the strategy of maximizing the use of pre-operative information to pinpoint the location of the tumor and minimizing the risk to surrounding areas of the brain. The USC/Norris Neuro Oncology program utilizes advanced neuronavigational technology and frameless stereotactic devices to better localize brain tumors. Making efficient use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), our surgeons substitute the traditional stereotactic frame, which must be anchored to the skull for scalp markers. A sophisticated neuronavigational computer software system then uses these multiple markers as registration points, translating a flat image into 3-D space. This approach enables the use of more local anesthesia to perform open brain surgery, thus avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia. Another advantage of this technique to the patient is a shorter hospital stay. We use positron emission tomography (PET) and, for some tumors, MR spectroscopy to assess the metabolic status of the tumor. This information helps differentiate between tumor recurrence and tissue necrosis. Additionally, we use functional MR imaging in tumors involving eloquent areas of brain to better plan surgery. USC University Hospital is one of six facilities in California to offer an advanced Gamma Knife and only one of two in Los Angeles to feature its latest version, model C. In addition, USC is one of three centers in California offering cyberknife, stereotactic radiotherapy. Considered one the most significant developments in neurosurgery, this device is designed to deliver enough radiation to destroy the tumor while sparing adjacent, normal tissue. Providing surgeons with non-invasive method of treating inoperable brain tumors, the goal of gamma or cyberknife treatment is to reduce risk to the patient while maximizing the therapies effectiveness. USC is one of a handful of universities where the interventional neuroradiologists are part of the neuro-oncology team. These physicians specialize in the embolization of tumors of the brain. The lesions are treated and are then more amenable to surgical and radiological therapies. Description of Neuro-Oncology Program • Clinics are held at Norris Cancer Center on Mondays and some Friday mornings. • Clinics held at LA County-USC Hospital every first and third week with Dr. Chen • Surgery performed at USC University Hospital • Radiation therapy is administered at USC/Norris Cancer Center Caregiver resources • Center for Caregiver Training • Family Caregiver Alliance (California Only) • Grief Net • Hospice Alliance • Hospice Hands • Visiting Nurses Association • Well Spouse Foundation • Children’s Hospice International Support Group Information: please call Kisha Smith (323) 865-3945
General Information \| People \| Special Expertise \| Clinical Trials \| What we do \| Sitemap