Brain, Skull Base & Pituitary Tumors Programs
INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 23,880 adults
will be diagnosed with a primary malignant brain tumor in 2018.1 Metastatic brain cancer will affect a larger number of individuals, though
estimates widely vary.2 While approximately 13,000 individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed with
pituitary tumors annually, fewer than 1% of these are malignant.3
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Hoag Family Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Hoag Pickup Family
Neurosciences Institute, offers unique multi-modality diagnostics and
treatment services for patients suffering with primary brain tumors, metastases
to the brain, pituitary tumors and other neoplasms and invasive tumors
of the complex skull base region. This program aligns neurosurgeons, ENT
surgeons, neurologists
neuro-ophthalmologists, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists and physicists,
neuro-radiologists, pathologists and endocrinologists who are committed
to providing the latest and most effective diagnostic imaging studies,
surgical techniques, clinical research and coordinated management strategies
for each patient. The program is comprehensive, offering both craniotomy
and stereotactic radiosurgery, minimally invasive surgical approaches,
access to advanced therapeutics, as well as Gamma Knife and Cyberknife
stereotactic techniques.
The Brain Tumor Program is led by Medical Director Christopher Duma, M.D.,
F.A.C.S., a board-certified neurosurgeon and a fellow of the American
College of Surgeons. Robert Louis, M.D., who is boar d-certified in neurosurgery
and fellowship-trained in complex cranial surgery and minimally invasive
skull base and pituitary surgery, leads Hoag’s Skull Base and Pituitary Program.
DIAGNOSTICS
Hoag Pathology provides full support for intraoperative evaluation and
diagnosis of brain, pituitary and skull base tumors as well as brain metastases.
A dedicated pathologist provides specialized expertise to the program.
Tumor molecular genomic profiling is available for patients with gliomas
to help clinicians select the most effective treatment. Patients’
brain cancer samples are sent for genomic profiling and bioinformatic
analysis to Caris Life Sciences, and the results of the genomic testing
are presented and discussed for clinical relevance at the Neuro-Oncology
Tumor Board.
MR brain demonstrates enhancing mass at the site of prior treatment indeterminate
for recurrent cancer versus radiation necrosis while PET/MR reveals increased
FDG activity within this mass confirming pr esence of recurrent cancer.
The full range of advanced imaging options are available to patients with
brain, pituitary and skull base tumors through Hoag Radiology. Hoag is
the first hospital on the West Coast to routinely offer PET/MR to patients.
The revolutionary hybrid imaging technique is being utilized for patients
with brain tumors who have had surgery or radiation to evaluate and differentiate
between necrosis of tumor versus recurrent disease. PET/MR offers significant
advantages over MRI alone in the differentiation of tumor recurrence and
post therapy changes.
TREATMENT
Tumor Board
Hoag Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board is designed for all practitioners to present
and discuss patient cases. It is attended by neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons,
neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists,
neuroradiologists, pathologists, endocrinologists, and the specialized
nurse navigator.
The Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board is held every Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the
Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach and via videoconferencing
at Hoag Cancer Center Irvine. It is moderated by Christopher Duma, M.D., F.A.C.S.
To submit a case for the Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board, contact Brain, Skull
Base & Pituitary Tumors Nurse Navigator, Lori Berberet, R.N., M.S.,
at 949-764-6656 or [email protected] or Rosana Figueroa at 949-764-7044
or [email protected] Surgery Hoag’s neurosurgeons employ
image-guided preoperative surgical planning as well as intraoperative
navigational equipment to minimize impact on parts of the brain critical
for motor, sensory, speech, visual and memory functions. The team also
specializes in awake craniotomy.


Surgery
Hoag’s neurosurgeons employ image-guided preoperative surgical planning
as well as intraoperative navigational equipment to minimize impact on
parts of the brain critical for motor, sensory, speech, visual and memory
functions. The team also specializes in awake craniotomy.
Whenever possible, Hoag’s neurosurgeons use minimally invasive surgical
techniques employing some of the most advanced technology available including
biomedical electronics, sophisticated neuronavigation systems, neuroendoscopic
equipment and microsurgical tools. The majority of pituitary and skull
base surgeries at Hoag are done through tiny incisions or utilizing naturally
occurring orifices such as the nostrils.
Since 2015, minimally invasive neurosurgery has been guided utilizing the
Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform (SNAP), by Surgical Theater, a system
for planning and performing brain surgery that was developed and based
on flight simulator technology for F-16 fighter jets. It allows for Virtual
Reality 360-degree reconstruction, planning, rehearsal and navigation
for complex neurosurgical procedures. Virtual Reality “fly-throughs”
performed on each case, allow Hoag’s neurosurgeons to practice an
operation in 3-D before ever picking up the scalpel. The tool optimizes
minimally invasive approaches, smaller incisions, fewer complications,
and better overall outcomes. In the two years since Surgical Theater was
introduced at Hoag more than 700 surgical cases have been performed utilizing
this innovative technology.
Surgery planning using Surgical Theater 3D Virtual Reality
Building upon the same platform, in 2017, EndoSNAP was introduced at Hoag.
This provides the additional capabilities of Augmented Reality for endoscopic
cases. The split screen view provided by the EndoSNAP gives the surgeon
a “heads-up display” and allows for pinpoint accuracy and
improved visualization of critical structures.
Hoag remains the only center in California and ranks as the second highest
volume center in the nation to use Augmented Reality in Neurosurgery.
Medical Oncology
Medical oncologists affiliated with the program have a specialized focus
on brain, pituitary and skull base tumors and stay up to date on the newest
research and therapies. Hoag was an early adopter of Optune, a wearable
device that creates low-intensity, wave-like electric fields for the treatment
of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Specialized training is required for
physicians to administer the treatment; Hoag implemented the use of Optune
soon after its FDA approval for patients with recurrent GBM and as first
line therapy in combination with chemotherapy.
The implementation of reflex tumor molecular genomic profiling for brain
tumor patients has resulted in the identification of molecular targets
to help oncologists direct therapy in cases of disease progression. In
some cases, off-label immunotherapies including pembrolizumab and nivolumab
are being used to treat recurrent disease.

Radiation Oncology
Hoag offers all three radiosurgery options for the treatment of brain tumors
– Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Cyberknife®, and TomoTherapy®
– ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment
for their unique case.
Hoag offers Gamma Knife® Perfexion, which is the most advanced radiosurgical
device available and targets brain tumors with half a millimeter accuracy. An expanded and specialized treatment area in Hoag’s Marilyn Herbert
Hausman Advanced Technology Pavilion optimizes the patient experience.
Hoag’s Gamma Knife team includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists,
physicists, and specially trained nurses.
Stereotactic radiation therapy can also be delivered in fractionated form
using Hoag’s advanced technologies in cases where single treatment
radiosurgery is not indicated. Hoag radiation oncologists meet weekly
to discuss the most appropriate treatment modalities and have expertise
in utilizing both radiosurgery and stereotactic radiation therapy techniques.
CLINICAL RESEARCH
Through Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Developmental Therapeutics
Program, in alliance with USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients
have access to clinical trials not typically offered at community hospitals.
For an up to date list of open trials, please contact Leila Andres, M.S.,
at 888-862-5318.
SCREENING AND HIGH RISK SERVICES
It is estimated that up to 10% of all brain tumors (malignant and benign),
occur because of a hereditary syndrome. In contrast to other hereditary
cancer conditions, those involving brain tumors/brain cancer almost always
involve more than a single tumor diagnosis. Conditions involving hereditary
brain tumors include: Li Fraumeni syndrome, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous
polyposis, neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, Cowden syndr ome, von Hippel-Lindau
and tuberous sclerosis. Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Hereditary
Cancer Program offers genetic counseling and genetic testing.
SUPPORT AND EDUCATION
Hoag’s Brain Tumor Support Group offers education and support for
anyone diagnosed with a primary brain tumor or metastatic disease. The
group meets monthly and is beneficial for patients, family, and friends.
The Program’s specialized nurse navigator, Lori Berberet, R.N., M.S.,
is a vital member of the team, providing guidance and navigation to patients
with brain, pituitary, and skull base tumors throughout their treatment.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s range of Integrated Cancer Support
Services help patients address the emotional, physical, spiritual, social,
and financial challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
Hoag is also designated as a teaching center for Stereotactic Radiosurgery
for the UCI Neurosurgical Residency Program annually. It is a three-month
rotation, approved by the Board of Neurologic Surgeons. The program director
is Christopher Duma, M.D.
1 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer
Institute, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/brain.html
2 National Brain Tumor Society, Braintumor.org
3 Cancer.net, The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)


For more information call:
949-722-6237