This is a list of common questions you may have about the NBTS Treatment Center Database. If you have further questions, please contact Patient Services at 800.934.2873 or email info@braintumor.org.
- Why don't I see my treatment center here?
- Do you have any further information on these treatment centers?
- Why does it matter how many brain tumor surgeries are performed per year?
- What are the different types of intraoperative technologies that are listed?
- What is a Tumor Board?
- What are Research Group Protocols?
- What are the acronyms of the different National Research Cooperative Groups (i.e., NABTT)?
- How often does this database get updated?
- How can I get my treatment center added?
- Why don't I see my treatment center here?
The centers you see listed in the NBTS Treatment Center Database are ones that have completed the NBTS Treatment Center Database Survey (found here). This list is not exhaustive; many treatment centers across the country have not filled out the survey.
- Do you have any further information on these treatment centers?
The information you see in the NBTS Treatment Center Database is all the information NBTS has collected on these centers. If you have additional questions, NBTS Patient Services staff can try to help. You can call them at 1.800.934.2873 or email them at info@braintumor.org. Otherwise, you may want to click on the website of the treatment center you have questions about and contact the staff at that center.
- Why does it matter how many brain tumor surgeries are performed per year?
It is generally accepted and widely known in academic literature that centers that perform a high volume of brain tumor surgeries (>50 surgeries/year) generally have better outcomes. Although the number of surgeries performed per year does not alone indicate whether or not you should have your surgery at a particular center, it is an important indicator to consider when looking.
- What are the different types of intraoperative technologies that are listed?
- Intraoperative MRI
- Intraoperative CT
- Brain Mapping
- Awake craniotomy
- Image-guided surgery
- What is a Tumor Board?
A tumor board is a regular meeting (monthly, bimonthly, or, in some cases, weekly) when specialists from the treatment team come together to discuss patients and their brain tumors. It is often used to talk about complicated cases, weigh treatment possibilities, or suggest referrals to other doctors or clinical trials. A tumor board may include neurosurgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, nursing staff, and social workers, though this varies from one center to another.
Here are definitions for some of the more common specialists that make up a brain tumor treatment team:
Neuropsychologist: A licensed psychologist who has specialized in studying how the brain functions and the impact that damage to the brain has on one’s abilities. (Please note that although neuropsychologists are frequently not consulted until after treatment, it may be preferable to do so from the beginning so that a more accurate baseline can be established before treatment.)
Neuro-Oncologist: An oncologist (cancer doctor) specializing in the treatment of cancers and tumors affecting the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system.
Neuro-Oncology Nurse Specialist: A licensed nurse specializing in patient education and support services for brain tumor patients. This nurse is available for consultation on symptom management.
Neurologist: A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases affecting the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system.
Neuropathologist: A doctor specializing in the diagnosis of neurological disorders and diseases through microscopic examination of biopsied tissues (cells from the tumor).
Neuroradiologist: A radiologist specializing in the interpretation of diagnostic images, such as computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), of the brain, the spinal cord, the and nervous system. A neuroradiologist may also administer radiation therapy; see Radiation Oncologist.
Neurosurgeon: A surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of disorders and diseases of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system.
Radiation Oncologist: A doctor specializing in the administration of radiation therapy.
- What are Research Group Protocols?
Clinical trials for brain tumors often involve collaborations between multiple medical centers to ensure that enough patients are able to participate. These collaborations are grouped under larger umbrella organizations called Research Group Protocols.
- What are the acronyms of the different National Research Cooperative Groups (i.e., NABTT)?
Some of the more common groups include:- NABTT: New Approaches to Brain Tumor Treatment
- ECOG: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
- SWOG: The Southwestern Oncology Group
- RTOG: The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
- NCCTG: North Central Cancer Treatment Group
- CCOP: Community Clinical Oncology Program
Pediatric groups include:- POG: Pediatric Oncology Group
- COG: Children’s Oncology Group
- PBTC: Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium
- How often does this database get updated?
NBTS adds new treatment centers to the database on a regular basis. Updates to existing centers in the database are conducted on an annual basis.
- How can I get my treatment center added?
If you are a health professional who doesn't see your center listed here, you can fill out the NBTS Treatment Center registration form here.
If you are a patient or caregiver who would like to see your center listed here, you can let your doctor, nurse, or social worker know about the NBTS Treatment Center Database and have them contact our Patient Services Department at info@braintumor.org to learn more.
