Brain Stem Cancer
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Brain Stem Cancer Overview

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Learn About Brain Stem Cancer

What is the definition of Brain Stem Cancer?
Brainstem cancers are usually astrocytomas or gliomas that are classified by their location in different areas of the brainstem and include focal brainstem gliomas, diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), and diffuse midline gliomas. Depending on the type and location, brainstem cancers may progress slowly or rapidly, range from grades I–IV, and may occur in children and adults.
What are the symptoms of Brain Stem Cancer?
The brainstem controls such critical functions as swallowing, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and the muscles and nerves that control talking, eating, walking, hearing, and seeing. For this reason, the signs and symptoms of brainstem cancer may include headache, nausea and vomiting, balance problems, numbness or weakness of the limbs, facial paralysis, double vision, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and difficulty talking. Symptoms may come on suddenly and progress rapidly within a day or so, while some patients may experience no symptoms at all or symptoms that slowly progress.
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What are the current treatments for Brain Stem Cancer?
While some patients may be initially placed under observation until signs and symptoms appear, treatment of brainstem gliomas include surgery, radiation therapy (external or internal), chemotherapy, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Surgery may not always be possible due to the tumor’s location in the brainstem, in which case radiation treatment is started. Chemotherapy may be added to radiation therapy or administered after. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion involves the use of a shunt implanted in a ventricle of the brain to siphon off excess fluid from the brain. New targeted therapies for the treatment of brainstem gliomas are currently under investigation.
Who are the top Brain Stem Cancer Local Doctors?
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Referral may be required

Carolinas Medical Center

1000 Blythe Blvd., 
Charlotte, NC 
704-355-2000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Anthony Asher is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Asher is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. He is also highly rated in 37 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Myelopathy, Cervical Spondylosis, Laminectomy, and Spinal Fusion. Dr. Asher is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Asher is currently accepting new patients.

Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Juan C. Tejada
Neurosurgery
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Juan C. Tejada
Neurosurgery
Referral may be required

Advocate Medical Group Neurosurgery

716 S Milwaukee Ave, 
Libertyville, IL 
847-362-1848
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances

Juan Tejada is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Libertyville, Illinois. Dr. Tejada is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Posterior Fossa Tumor, Apoplexy, Awake Craniotomy, and Microdiscectomy. Dr. Tejada is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery.

 
 
 
 
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Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Oncology | Neurosurgery
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Oncology | Neurosurgery
Referral may be required
1295 Northwest 14th Street, 
Miami, FL 
305-243-6946
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ricardo Komotar is an Oncologist and a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Komotar is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. He is also highly rated in 57 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Brain Tumor, Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Posterior Fossa Decompression. Dr. Komotar is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Brain Stem Cancer Clinical Trials?
Phase 2 Trial of a Novel Peptide Vaccine (PEP-CMV) Targeting CMV Antigen for Newly Diagnosed Pediatric High-grade Glioma and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and Recurrent Medulloblastoma
Phase 2 Trial of a Novel Peptide Vaccine (PEP-CMV) Targeting CMV Antigen for Newly Diagnosed Pediatric High-grade Glioma and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and Recurrent Medulloblastoma
Who is this study for: Patients with Malignant Glioma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: May 11, 2026
Intervention Type: Biological, Drug
Study Drugs: PEP-CMV, Temozolomide, Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: This study will address the question of whether targeting CMV antigens with PEP-CMV can serve as a novel immunotherapeutic approach in pediatric patients with newly-diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG) or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) as well as recurrent medulloblastoma (MB). PEP-CMV is a vaccine mixture of a peptide referred to as Component A. Component A is a synthetic long peptide (SLP)...

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A Phase 1/2 Trial of CBL0137 (NSC# 825802) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors Including CNS Tumors and Lymphoma
A Phase 1/2 Trial of CBL0137 (NSC# 825802) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors Including CNS Tumors and Lymphoma
Who is this study for: Patients with Glioma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: May 05, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug, Procedure
Study Drug: FACT Complex-Targeting Curaxin CBL0137
Study Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2

Summary: This phase I/II trial evaluates the best dose, side effects and possible benefit of CBL0137 in treating patients with solid tumors, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors or lymphoma that has come back (relapsed) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Drugs, such as CBL0137, block signals passed from one molecule to another inside a cell. Blocking these signals can affect many funct...

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What are some Advocacy Organizations?
keep-punching-brain-cancer

Keep Punching supports patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in their fight to prevent and eradicate brain cancer and minimize treatment-related side effects that may adversely impact function and comfort.