Central Nervous System Cancer
A team approach for you care
The healthcare team at the St. Vincent’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancers of the central nervous system (CNS).
Our multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists work closely with you, your family and your primary care physician to coordinate your care and keep you safe.
The central nervous system includes cancers of the:
Facts about CNS cancer
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is the center of thought, feeling, memory, speech, vision, hearing, movement, and much more. The spinal cord and special nerves in the head called cranial nerves help carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The brain is protected in the skull and bathed in fluid known as cerebral spinal fluid or CSF.
It is estimated that about 22,000 malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord will be diagnosed each year. It's estimated that about 13,000 people will die from these tumors yearly.
The cause for CNS tumors is not known but researchers have found some of the chemical changes that occur in normal brain cells may lead to the formation of brain tumors.
Treating CNS cancers at St. Vincent’s
Our comprehensive care approach to treating patients with central nervous system cancer addresses the medical as well as the psychological needs of cancer patients and their families. From diagnosis to treatment to support services and survivorship, our team of physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists and support staff work collaboratively to determine individualized treatment options leading to the most optimal results for the patient.
A treament plan designed just for you
A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation Therapy is commonly used to treat cancers of the central nervous system. Each patient’s individual needs are assessed by our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists to determine which combination of treatment options is most appropriate.
Complex CNS cancer cases are often reviewed at our bi-monthly CNS Tumor Specific Conference attended by physicians and staff from different disciplines ensuring the most thorough assessment of these cases.
At St. Vincent’s, patients are assessed on an individualized basis for specialized treatments including minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), personalized chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery or SRS utilizing the Novalis Tx platform.
Patients receiving chemotherapy may receive treatment in our ambulatory infusion center where they will find a warm, healing environment with state-of-the-art medical equipment and experienced, certified oncology nurses.
You will always be treated with compassion and with the philosophy of treating the whole person – mind, body and spirit – not just the cancer. Compassionate care is our mission.
The Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care
The Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care is accredited with commendation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
Criteria for accreditation include a relationship with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and a representative from the ACS is a member of our Hospital Committee on Cancer.
Click in for additional information about specific cancers listed by ACS, and call the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care's referral line: 1-877-231-SWIM (7946) for more informaton.
Center for Cancer Care's referral line: 1-877-231-SWIM (7946) for more informaton.
Contact us
To find a St. Vincent’s physician who can discuss your health concerns or those of a loved one, please click on our FIND A DOCTOR tool and search by specialty, practice, location or keyword. We’re here to help you locate the medical expert you need.
To speak with a St. Vincent's Care Line representative, call (877) 255-7847
To speak with somone at the front desk of the Medical Center, please call (203) 576-6000
Click in for St. Vincent's Medical Center DIRECTIONS | MAPS | PARKING information