Brain tumors are among the most complex conditions in medicine. Effective treatment requires innovative tools and technologies combined with deep expertise. Mayo Clinic’s collaborative care model brings together specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, ENT, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and cancer care to provide more options—and more hope—to patients facing a brain tumor diagnosis.
A Team-Based Approach
At Mayo Clinic, every patient benefits from a fully integrated care team focused on brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
“For brain tumors, a neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, and neuro-oncologist are involved in every single patient’s care,” says Dr. Ugur Sener, chair of the neuro-oncology program at Mayo Clinic. “Even our pathologists and radiologists are specialized in CNS tumors. Everyone involved has dedicated expertise.”
This level of collaboration ensures that every case is evaluated thoroughly and efficiently from multiple angles. It also allows Mayo teams to deliver accurate diagnoses and coordinated treatment plans quickly—often during a single visit—so patients can move forward with clarity.
Experience That Leads to New Possibilities
Mayo Clinic physicians routinely care for tumors that are uncommon elsewhere, including complex gliomas and tumors located in highly sensitive areas of the brain. This depth and breadth of experience allows teams to confidently explore treatments that patients may not have been offered before.
“We often see patients who have been told their tumor is inoperable,” says Dr. Ian Parney, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic. “In many cases, we can offer options they didn’t think were possible.”
Mayo’s experts are adept at recognizing subtle differences in brain tumor behavior or location, which allows them to identify and pursue the most effective surgical or nonsurgical approach the first time.
Seeing More With the World’s Most Advanced Imaging
Advanced technology plays a crucial role in precision brain tumor care. Mayo Clinic in Rochester was the first institution in the world to install a 7 Tesla (7T) MRI for clinical use. Compared to standard imaging, 7T MRI provides exceptionally detailed views of the brain, helping physicians detect tumors earlier and better distinguish tumor tissue from healthy structures. It’s the most powerful clinical MRI available.
“We’ve been able to detect tumors using 7T that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” says Dr. Jamie J. Van Gompel, a skull base tumor and epilepsy neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic.
This level of detail can be transformative, changing how doctors plan treatments and allowing them to perform procedures with an even higher level of precision and safety—all of which leads to better outcomes for patients, especially for tumors located in the most critical parts of the brain.
Powerful Tools, Thoughtfully Applied
Additional imaging technologies like intraoperative MRI mapping and photon-counting detector CT technology help physicians make more informed decisions before and during treatment, reducing uncertainty and improving accuracy.
Intraoperative imaging allows surgeons to assess tumor removal in real time, helping maximize tumor resection while protecting critical brain functions.
Photon-counting detector CT technology represents a major milestone in CT imaging, providing clearer, more detailed images than ever before—ultimately leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for patients diagnosed with benign brain tumors. And Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of using this breakthrough technology.
These advanced tools allow Mayo neurosurgeons to push the limits of what’s surgically possible without compromising patient safety. For patients requiring radiation therapy, Mayo Clinic offers proton beam therapy, which precisely targets tumors and minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Research Translating to Real-World Care
Mayo Clinic’s commitment to innovation extends beyond imaging and surgery into research-driven therapies. Ongoing clinical trials offer access to novel treatments, including immunotherapies and molecularly targeted drugs.
Dr. Jian Campian, a neuro-oncologist at Mayo Clinic, is developing immunotherapies that harness a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. And Dr. Sani Kizilbash, another neuro-oncologist, is studying molecularly targeted therapies that will enable doctors to personalize treatments based on a tumor’s genetic profile.
Mayo neuro-oncologists have also helped bring several new drugs to approval, expanding treatment options for patients nationwide. “Our team is very comfortable with these novel therapies that can offer patients more hope,” says Dr. Sener.
Moving Faster When Time Matters Most
Speed is essential in brain tumor care. Mayo Clinic’s coordinated scheduling allows patients to see multiple specialists in a single visit and, in many cases, begin their care journey within 48 hours. This expedited timing can make a real difference for patients by easing anxiety and enabling earlier interventions for better outcomes.
For people who are very ill or live far from Rochester, Mayo Clinic also offers telehealth visits and remote assessments to help make advanced care more accessible.
“Our focus is on removing barriers and providing answers as soon as possible,” says Dr. Sener.
Learn more or schedule an appointment with a specialist by calling 507-780-4945.
