Inspiring Patient Stories & Important News
Technology That Is Transforming Brain Surgery
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.
Tumor Treating Fields Noninvasively Destroy Cancer Cells
Tumor treating fields – electric fields that disrupt the electrical charge in the protein that causes cancer cell division – are revolutionizing the treatment of glioblastomas. Neuro-oncologist Nicholas Metrus, MD, describes a new wearable, portable, FDA-approved treatment that creates TTF, interfering with dividing tumor cells and causing them to die.
Immunotherapy in Action: Changing the Game for Cancer Survival
Years ago, having brain metastases meant a patient would likely have a grim prognosis. Now with immunotherapy and targeted therapy, the game has changed for a number of diseases. Medical oncologist Andrew M. Bernstein, DO, explains.
Zeroing in on Druggable Targets for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer to metastasize to the brain. Thankfully, targeted therapies are driving major advances in treatment and improving life expectancy from a number of months to a number of years. Oncologist and director of the Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention Program at Overlook Medical Center Bonni Lee Guerin, MD, shares the latest.
The Impact of Immuno-Oncology on Melanoma Brain Metastases
New immuno-oncology drugs have drastically improved survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma. This includes combination immunotherapy drugs that yield a 50% response rate for patients with melanoma brain metastases, which is why immuno-oncology treatment is typically the best first course of action.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Is on the Rise: Why a Growing Population of Patients with Brain Metastases Are Candidates for CyberKnife®
CyberKnife has completely changed the way metastatic brain tumors are treated by administering radiation only where it’s needed – and not where it’s not. Not only is CyberKnife a highly effective therapy for the treatment of brain metastases, its precision spares healthy brain tissue from radiation exposure and the neurocognitive damage it can cause.
Beating Metastatic Brain Cancer with Surgery and CyberKnife
“You are disease-free in the brain.” Hearing these words nearly a year after discovering kidney cancer had spread to his brain brought 56-year-old Edward Battaglia to tears. This triumph was his latest victory in a cancer journey that spans more than a decade.
Dr. John J. Knightly, Dr. Yaron A. Moshel, Dr. Michael E. Rudman and Dr. Richard P. Winne, Jr. Named 2021 Jersey Choice Top Doctors
In its annual Top Docs listing, New Jersey Monthly has named Altair Health’s Dr. John J. Knightly, Dr. Yaron A. Moshel, Dr. Michael E. Rudman and Dr. Richard P. Winne, Jr. 2021 Jersey Choice Top Doctors.
Fluorescent imaging is Lighting the Way
The Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center is one of the first providers in New Jersey to harness the power of fluorescent imaging to treat brain tumors.
Neurosurgery Saved Me From Going Blind
Basil Figliano, an electrician from Bridgewater, New Jersey, had perfect vision his entire life. In fact, he went for his first ophthalmologist appointment at the age of 56. Over the next few months, Basil felt his vision getting drastically worse.
South Plainfield Woman Says ‘Thank You Isn’t Enough’ After Removal of Complex Brain Tumor
For most people, occasional ringing or popping in the ear isn’t cause for concern. When it becomes persistent, however, Laura Castro Angarita of South Plainfield, New Jersey will tell you that’s a different story.
Local Dad’s Journey to Survive
Chatham resident Mark Boyland went from brain tumor-induced seizures to white water sports in seven weeks.
Former Marine Battles Brain Cancer with Life-Saving Tumor Treatment
Ray Aponte braved the harrowing experiences of war. Yet, he was never more terrified than when he learned he had a malignant brain tumor – one that, if he survived, would threaten his ability to talk or move for the rest of his life. See how Ray’s awake brain surgery and personalized targeted drug treatments are enabling him to live his life to the fullest.
Treating Recurrent Gliomas with Intense Precision … and Hope
While there is no cure for gliomas – and they are challenging to manage because they grow within the brain and inevitably reoccur – there are very effective treatments.
Glioblastoma: Is One of Our Current Clinical Trials Right for You?
At the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, two clinical trials to evaluate the potential role of immunotherapy – specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors – in patients with glioblastoma are currently underway.
Combining the Best in Medical and Non-Medical Care
At the Glasser Brain Tumor Center, our multidisciplinary team – including our social work navigator – work closely with patients and their families, providing appointment scheduling, referrals and other support as well as the counseling that enables emotional and mental wellbeing.
Revolutionizing the Removal of Complex Glioma Tumors
Removing gliomas as safely and completely as possible requires years of experience and a deep understanding of the brain’s three-dimensional anatomy and functional relationships. Today, this expertise is supported by technological advances that enable more precise, less-invasive tumor removal.
Two Foundations Support Patients, Families and the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center
The Center for Hope Foundation and the Overlook Foundation provide patients, families and supporters with a way to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by brain tumors.
Dealing with the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy … with all of its wondrous outcomes … can cause many side effects. What’s the best way to combat them? A combination of medical and holistic approaches can be very effective in relieving nausea, constipation, fatigue and low blood cell counts.
Top Lawyer Credits Health After Brain Surgery to NJ-Based Neurosurgical Care
“I don’t have time for this.” That was the first thought that crossed Mark Boyland’s mind when he was diagnosed with a skull base brain tumor. With a high-powered legal career, hobbies like waterskiing and paddle boarding, and an equally active family at home, it was hard for Mark to fathom slowing down.
