Neuro Oncology Program

503-216-1150

Our Approach Conditions Treated Patient Resources

Providence Neuro-Oncology Program provides comprehensive care for adult patients with primary brain tumors, cancers that begin in other areas and move to the brain (metastases) and any neurological complications of cancer. As a partner in your care, we focus on helping you understand the complexity and choices related to brain cancer and its effects. Our team is also focused on translational research efforts, which uncover and test promising new treatments for aggressive brain tumors. Our No. 1 goal is to help patients understand treatment options and quality-of-life considerations in order to make informed decisions. Learn more about our team and what we treat.

Why choose us?

When you come to Providence as a new patient or for a second opinion, we offer world-class care from a compassionate team. This means you have access to the latest clinical trials, support from nurses and social workers, options for cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical treatments and, above all, experts who can guide you in making the best decisions for your care.

In partnership with Providence Cancer Institute, patients can receive chemotherapy infusion at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Providence Newberg Medical Center.

Our team

Our team is experienced at helping patients with the complex decision making needed to create a brain tumor treatment plan. This includes integration of care with radiation, surgery, medical oncologists, social workers, palliative care and more. Our providers also participate in monthly tumor board meetings. These meetings allow our experts to consult together and suggest the best treatment options for each patient.

“We are not in the business of treating brain tumors. We are in the business of treating patients who have a brain tumor diagnosis. This perspective helps me better understand our goals of care. We place emphasis on transparency, mutual respect, and humanity. You are not alone. Our care team is committed to supporting you and your loved ones throughout this journey.”

- Dr. Prakash Ambady, Providence Neuro-Oncology Program medical director

Conditions Treated

Neuro-oncology is a highly focused area of medicine that treats tumors or cancers involving the central nervous system. Neuro oncology physicians receive years of training, including a residency in neurology or medical oncology as well as a fellowship and certification in neuro-oncology. These physicians then work closely with a team of other experts including surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers to deliver comprehensive care.

Neuro-oncology providers review imaging (such as MRIs and CT scans), molecular markers (tumor sequencing) and laboratory studies to assess the status of your disease. This helps them recommend nonsurgical treatments for cancers and tumors of the brain. If you do need surgery or radiation, a neuro-oncologists can help guide you through those options. Our team can also assist you with choosing and enrolling in clinical trials for promising new treatments and individualized options.

We treat a variety of brain tumors or cancers including:

Glioblastoma
Astrocytoma
Meningioma
Oligodendroglioma
Ependymoma
Medulloblastoma
Ganglioglioma
Hemangioblastoma
Choroid plexus papilloma
Craniopharyngioma
Germinoma

Your treatment options

Our program offers a wide range of treatment options. Nonsurgical treatment options include chemotherapy, biologically-targeted and immune system medications and medical devices that destroy cancer cells. Surgical options include Gamma Knife radiosurgery, laser ablation, and other minimally invasive techniques, as well as open surgery when needed. Research and clinical trials are also offered from Providence Brain and Spine Institute Clinical Research, Providence Cancer Institute’s Earle A. Chiles Research Institute and Pacific Cancer Research Consortium.

Patient Resources

Patient and family support addresses more than just the physical body. We promote a healthy body, mind and spirit by offering compassionate, helpful support services including: support groups (send email to inquire), counseling, social work, integrative medicine, and patient education resources including the Living Well Guide.