What treatment could I receive?
Neurosurgery
In many cases, an operation is required to confirm the diagnosis and relieve symptoms.
After the operation has taken place, care will be received on one of the neurosurgical wards at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).
There are two dedicated neurosurgical wards situated on the fourth floor of the new hospital (wards 407 and 409) and an enhanced post-operative care unit (EPOC) for high dependency monitoring (up to 24 hours post operatively), should this be required.
There is also a dedicated neuro critical care unit (critical care area c) for those requiring the highest level of post-operative care; this is situated on level 2.
Oncology treatment (radiotherapy/chemotherapy)
The Cancer Centre is situated in the Heritage Building on the QEHB site. The radiotherapy department is situated within the Cancer Centre. The chemotherapy unit is also in the Heritage Building. You will see your Consultant or a member of their team, along with a clinical nurse specialist as required throughout your treatment and beyond.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to treat brain/spinal tumours. The aim of treatment is to slow or stop tumour growth.
The treatment is divided into small amounts each day and is delivered on weekdays over a course, ranging from one to six and a half weeks. The treatment course best for your condition will be discussed between you and your consultant.
During radiotherapy treatment, you will wear a mask which is custom made for you. It is made of thermoplastic material that once heated becomes pliable and able to mould to your face and shoulders.
We place the warmed material over your face and allow 10 minutes for it to set. The mask has lots of tiny holes that allow you to breathe comfortably. The team will be with you, reassuring you while the mask sets.
Once you have had this mask made, you will then have a CT scan inside the mask, usually with some contrast dye.
The treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes each day and is painless. It can have various side effects which your consultant will discuss with you. They will gradually build up over the course of the treatment and can last for a few weeks following.
Longer term side effects will be discussed with you by your team.
Treatment times will be given on a weekly basis so you can plan week by week as you go through therapy. Parking will be free in car park D, opposite the cancer centre.
Once you have consented to a course of radiotherapy, we will need to make the mask and do the CT scan. This scan allows your consultant and our radiotherapy planning team to plan your treatment. You will usually be invited for a CT planning scan within a five to 10 working days, then treatment will start around 10 to 15 working days after the scan.
In certain cases, patients may be referred for proton beam therapy at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. This will be discussed with you in detail if it is an appropriate option.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS - CyberKnife)
CyberKnife is a specialised radiotherapy machine which is used to give stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This may be an appropriate treatment option depending on your diagnosis.
The Cyberknife Unit is located within the radiotherapy department in the cancer centre at QEHB.
The accuracy of CyberKnife means that a high dose of radiotherapy can be focused on a very precise area.
SRS is most commonly used to treat brain metastases (when a cancer spreads from the body to the brain) or a number of benign (non-cancerous) conditions for example meningiomas or acoustic neuromas.
Every patient being considered for this type of treatment is discussed in our weekly dedicated SRS multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT). This ensures that all treatment options are explored and you are put forward for the best treatment option available.
Chemotherapy
If chemotherapy is required it may be given as a tablet form that you can take at home, or as a drip for which you will need to attend the Chemotherapy Unit to receive care.
Your oncologist will discuss chemotherapy with you if appropriate. You will also be given the contact details of the acute oncology service (AOS), who provide support 24 hours a day if you develop side effects or become unwell.
Research and Clinical Trials
To improve treatment options for patients with brain tumours we aim to offer the opportunity to participate in clinical research. If appropriate, your team will discuss the options that are available to you. A team of research nurses will be able to help support you if you take part in a trial. If a clinical trial is appropriate for you but not available in Birmingham, the team will discuss options including referral to another centre.
Last reviewed 05 September 2024