Redefining Brain Tumor Care

Mayo Clinic takes a cutting-edge approach, merging advanced technology with patient-centered care

When faced with a brain tumor diagnosis, choosing the right care team is critical. At Mayo Clinic, expert neurosurgeons, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach ensure even the most complex brain tumors are treated with precision and care. With a deep commitment to innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration, Mayo Clinic continues to be a leader in brain tumor medicine.

Unparalleled expertise in neurosurgery

The world-class neurosurgeons at Mayo Clinic treat patients with both primary and metastatic brain tumors. Among these experts are Dr. Ian Parney and Dr. Jamie J. Van Gompel, leading neurosurgeons at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, who specialize in treating tumors located in highly sensitive parts of the brain.

“We often see patients who have been told their tumor is inoperable,” explains Dr. Parney. “In many cases, we can offer options they didn’t think were possible.” The approach at Mayo Clinic is both aggressive and thoughtful, pushing the limits of medicine while ensuring patient safety.

Cutting-edge technology for more accurate diagnoses

The left image displays the radiology scanned imaging from a 3 Tesla MRI. The 3 Tesla MRI, while using a less powerful magnetic field compared to the 7 Tesla MRI, still provides clear and detailed images of the body’s interior. It is commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, offering valuable insights for patient care and treatment planning. However, the clarity of the images produced by the 3 Tesla MRI is not as high as that of the 7 Tesla MRI, which can impact the level of detail visible in the scans. The right image showcases the radiology scanned imaging from a 7 Tesla MRI. The 7 Tesla MRI uses a stronger magnetic field to produce highly detailed images of the body’s interior. The detailed brain scans generated by this advanced imaging system assist Mayo Clinic care teams in diagnosing and treating patients with brain tumors. This cutting-edge technology is crucial for ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses, which guide effective treatment plans. Photos Courtesy of Mayo Clinic

Another way Mayo Clinic is pushing limits is by embracing advanced technology and innovative diagnostic tools, like the 7 Tesla (7T) MRI—the most powerful clinical MRI in the world. This revolutionary imaging technology allows for more precise tumor identification, better differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue, and a more tailored and personalized treatment plan.

“We have been able to detect tumors using 7T that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” notes Dr. Van Gompel, a skull base tumor and epilepsy neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic.

The Rochester campus was the first in the world to install a 7T MRI for clinical use, reinforcing its leadership in neurosurgical innovation. The 7T MRI can make a significant difference in surgical planning and outcomes, especially for tumors located in the most critical parts of the brain.

Beyond the 7T MRI, Mayo is at the forefront of using photon-counting detector CT technology. An innovative technology that represents a major milestone in CT imaging, it provides clearer, more detailed images than ever before, ultimately leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for patients.

A collaborative effort

Successful brain tumor treatment requires more than surgical skills; it involves a multidisciplinary team at Mayo Clinic, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, neuropathologists, and neuro-radiologists. Their collaboration is crucial in creating personalized care plans that may include complex surgeries or targeted radiation therapy. As a leading research institution, Mayo Clinic also provides access to the latest experimental treatments and clinical trials, offering patients more options than ever.

Patient-centered care

Every advancement at Mayo Clinic focuses on one goal—improving patient outcomes. “We need to do everything in balance and be honest with ourselves about what is most important—the needs of the patient and their outcome comes first. That’s what true multidisciplinary care is,” explains Dr. Van Gompel. His team approaches each case with expertise, compassion, and a commitment to delivering the best possible treatment for every patient.

Take the next step

If you or a loved one is facing a brain tumor diagnosis, Mayo Clinic is ready to help. With world-class expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on patient needs, they have what it takes to provide hope for patients with complex brain tumors.

Learn more or schedule an appointment with a specialist by calling 507-780-4945.