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?
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology

Avera Mckennan

400 22nd Ave, 
Brookings, SD 
 172.0 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Michael Peterson is a Radiation Oncologist in Brookings, South Dakota. Dr. Peterson and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Vulvar Cancer, Choroid Plexus Papilloma, Brain Stem Cancer, and Melanoma. Dr. Peterson is currently accepting new patients.

Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology

Dakota West Radiation Oncology PC

353 Fairmont Blvd, 
Rapid City, SD 
 212.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Michael Swartz is a Radiation Oncologist in Rapid City, South Dakota. Dr. Swartz and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Dr. Swartz is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology

Avera St Marys

801 E Sioux Ave, 
Pierre, SD 
 103.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Heidi Mckean is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Pierre, South Dakota. Dr. Mckean and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, and Familial Colorectal Cancer. Dr. Mckean is currently accepting new patients.

What are the latest Brain Stem Cancer Clinical Trials?
A Phase 1/2 Trial of Selinexor (KPT-330) and Radiation Therapy in Newly-Diagnosed Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Grade Glioma (HGG)

Summary: This phase I/II trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of selinexor given in combination with standard radiation therapy in treating children and young adults with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) or high-grade glioma (HGG) with a genetic change called H3 K27M mutation. It also tests whether combination of selinexor and standard radiation therapy works to shrink...

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A Phase I Study of Savolitinib in Recurrent, Progressive or Refractory Medulloblastoma, High-Grade Glioma, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, and CNS Tumors Harboring MET Aberrations

Summary: This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of volitinib in treating patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors that have come back (recurrent) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Volitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

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.