Survival for patients with brain metastases from lung cancer is increasing – thanks to advancements in immunotherapy and personalized medications that target specific gene mutations, penetrate into the brain and have a high likelihood of success.

With new advances in breast cancer care, patients are living longer than ever before with a higher incidence of brain metastases.

The Glasser Brain Tumor Center is active in many clinical trials in our ongoing quest to enhance our patients’ lives. While all of the trials are inspiring, one of the most exciting is “SURVIVE” Phase 2B. We are the only site in New Jersey and one of the first three in the nation to participate in this trial for a potentially game-changing brain cancer vaccine.

Next-generation sequencing – similar to a search engine that combs through thousands of genes to find abnormalities in the single one that causes a patient’s cancer – is revolutionizing brain cancer care. An intimate understanding of a tumor’s mutations, or lack thereof, means more personalized and effective treatment plans.

At 43, Lindsay Vieira was diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma, a rare type of cancerous brain tumor. The Glasser Brain Tumor Center team used stereotactic imaging and GPS-like technology – along with electrical stimulation brain mapping – to remove her entire tumor and keep all of her neurological functions intact.

When Lisa Vidal was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, she did something novel among most brain tumor patients. She drank a pink liquid that made her tumor glow, empowering our neurosurgeons to safely remove her tumor with pinpoint accuracy.