Treatment for brain and spinal cord tumours
The main treatments for brain and spinal cord tumours include:
surgery
radiotherapy
chemotherapy
A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
The MDT includes:
a neurosurgeon - a specialist doctor who diagnoses, treats and performs surgery on conditions affecting the central nervous system
an oncologist – a cancer specialist
a neurologist - a specialist doctor who treats illnesses affecting the brain and spinal cord
a radiologist – a doctor specialising in reporting x-rays and scans
a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) - a nurse who offers support and advice during and after treatment
a pathologist - a doctor who specialises in looking at cells under the microscope
The treatment you have depends on:
your type of brain tumour
where the tumour is
whether it has spread
how abnormal the cells look under a microscope (the grade)
whether the tumour cells have certain changes or mutations
your general health and level of fitness
Your MDT will discuss your treatment, its benefits and the possible side effects with you.
Some hospitals have specialist brain tumour nurses. They go to the MDT meetings. You usually see the nurses more regularly than your surgeon or cancer specialist. They can answer your questions and support you.
Read about grades of brain tumours
Your doctor might do tests on your tumour cells. These are tests to help doctors work out which type of brain tumour you have, and which treatment you need. These are called tests and include checking for proteins such as:
IDH
1p/19q
MGMT
Treatment depends a lot on the type of brain or spinal cord tumour you have. We have information about treatment for the most common types of brain tumours.
Your doctor might ask if you’d like to take part in a clinical trial. Doctors and researchers do trials to make existing treatments better and develop new treatments.
Last reviewed: 30 Mar 2023
Next review due: 30 Mar 2026
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
You usually start by seeing your GP who might refer you to a specialist. Or you might go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you suddenly have severe symptoms.
There are many different types of brain tumours. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain.
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What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
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