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From the Editor Ed Arenson introduces the CNI Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors by highlighting the relatively new field of neuro-oncology. Arising in response to a surge of interest in brain and spinal cord tumors, this field focuses on the care of patients with central nervous system tumors. The neuro-oncologist assumes responsibility for the care of patients following surgery, especially those with malignant or partially resected tumors. Patients with benign tumors complicated by ongoing issues such as seizures, functional impairment, or other significant co-morbidities may benefit from the care of the neuro-oncologist who often acts as the primary care physician for issues related to the tumor. Tim Fullagar next describes the evolving role of the neurosurgeon in the optimal management of central nervous system tumors. The principle mandate and responsibility of the neurosurgical oncologist is and always has been simple — to remove the tumor. Dr. Fullagar details the technology facilitating how this is achieved with greater safety and certainty. Innovation is also apparent in how the neurosurgeon functions within the context of a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team. Rather than making unilateral management decisions, our philosophy at CNI identifies a principle neurosurgeon as a member of a team which includes other neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuropsychologists, nurses, social workers, and other professionals. These dedicated individuals meet regularly to insure a team approach to patient management. Nancy Powers and Kevin Reilly expand on this theme with their description of the multidisciplinary team, providing care for our patients in this diverse, complex medical and supportive environment. They highlight the role of the neuropsychologist who insures a balanced approach to the needs of each patient, a role which continues to evolve as newer approaches to treatment extend the survival of our patients. Marsh Davis then describes one of the more important tools used to precisely target residual or recurrent tumors with highly focused radiation, which allows a radiation dose to be deposited within the tumor, minimizing dose deposition in surrounding non-targeted brain tissue. Finally, Stacey Per outlines the important function of the Patient Care Coordinator, who provides a bridge between the medical and the supportive services at CNI. The results of this coordinated, multidisciplinary approach are seen both in the remarkable statistics of survival and in our patients’ sense of well-being. For too long, brain tumors have been synonymous with a death sentence. We have found that our aggressive and supportive philosophy simply translates into better patient outcomes. I hope you enjoy this issue of the CNI REVIEW. John H. McVicker, MD, FACS To view the articles: This issue of the CNI REVIEW is provided in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. You can right-click to download the PDF file to your computer, or click to open and read online. Or click on each title below to open a smaller PDF file containing only the article's pages.
Go to Table of Contents to open each article separately in smaller PDF files. View Complete Issue
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CNI REVIEW Library · CNI PublicationsColorado Neurological Institute (CNI),
701 East Hampden Ave.,
Suite 330,
Englewood, CO 80113
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This
edition of the CNI REVIEW highlights the CNI Center for Brain and Spinal
Cord Tumors. The CNI is justifiably proud of this remarkable program.
Although a relatively unheralded community resource, it provides one of
the most coordinated, successful interdisciplinary programs in the country,
addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of our brain and spinal
tumor patients and their families.
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will need Acrobat Reader to view these files. 
