Brain Stem Cancer Overview

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Learn About Brain Stem Cancer

What is the definition of Brain Stem Cancer?
Brainstem cancers are usually astrocytomas or gliomas that are classified by their location in different areas of the brainstem and include focal brainstem gliomas, diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), and diffuse midline gliomas. Depending on the type and location, brainstem cancers may progress slowly or rapidly, range from grades I–IV, and may occur in children and adults.
What are the symptoms of Brain Stem Cancer?
The brainstem controls such critical functions as swallowing, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and the muscles and nerves that control talking, eating, walking, hearing, and seeing. For this reason, the signs and symptoms of brainstem cancer may include headache, nausea and vomiting, balance problems, numbness or weakness of the limbs, facial paralysis, double vision, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and difficulty talking. Symptoms may come on suddenly and progress rapidly within a day or so, while some patients may experience no symptoms at all or symptoms that slowly progress.
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What are the current treatments for Brain Stem Cancer?
While some patients may be initially placed under observation until signs and symptoms appear, treatment of brainstem gliomas include surgery, radiation therapy (external or internal), chemotherapy, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Surgery may not always be possible due to the tumor’s location in the brainstem, in which case radiation treatment is started. Chemotherapy may be added to radiation therapy or administered after. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion involves the use of a shunt implanted in a ventricle of the brain to siphon off excess fluid from the brain. New targeted therapies for the treatment of brainstem gliomas are currently under investigation.
Who are the top Brain Stem Cancer Local Doctors?
Dr. Alissa A. Thomas
Neurology
Dr. Alissa A. Thomas
Neurology

University Of Vermont Medical Center Inc

111 Colchester Ave, 
Burlington, VT 
 (0.9 mi)
802-847-0000
Experience:
16+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Alissa Thomas is a Neurologist in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Thomas has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Glioma, and Brain Tumor. Dr. Thomas is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Bruce I. Tranmer
Neurosurgery
Dr. Bruce I. Tranmer
Neurosurgery

University Of Vermont Medical Center Inc

111 Colchester Ave, 
Burlington, VT 
 (0.9 mi)
802-847-0000
Experience:
46+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Bruce Tranmer is a Neurosurgery provider in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Tranmer has been practicing medicine for over 46 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Hemangioblastoma, Meningioma, Subdural Hematoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Tranmer is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Dr. Paul L. Penar
Neurosurgery
Dr. Paul L. Penar
Neurosurgery

University Of Vermont Medical Center Inc

1 S Prospect St, 
Burlington, VT 
 (0.6 mi)
802-847-0000
Experience:
44+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Paul Penar is a Neurosurgery provider in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Penar has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Meningioma, Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Awake Craniotomy. Dr. Penar is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Brain Stem Cancer Clinical Trials?
A Phase I Study of Savolitinib in Recurrent, Progressive or Refractory Medulloblastoma, High-Grade Glioma, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, and CNS Tumors Harboring MET Aberrations
A Phase I Study of Savolitinib in Recurrent, Progressive or Refractory Medulloblastoma, High-Grade Glioma, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, and CNS Tumors Harboring MET Aberrations
Who is this study for: Patients with recurrent, progressive or refractory medulloblastoma, high-grade glioma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and CNS tumors harboring MET aberrations
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 26, 2025
Intervention Type: Procedure, Drug
Study Drug: Savolitinib
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of volitinib in treating patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors that have come back (recurrent) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Volitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

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A Pilot and Surgical Study of Larotrectinib for Treatment of Children with Newly-Diagnosed High-Grade Glioma with NTRK Fusion
A Pilot and Surgical Study of Larotrectinib for Treatment of Children with Newly-Diagnosed High-Grade Glioma with NTRK Fusion
Who is this study for: Patients with Glioma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 18, 2025
Intervention Type: Procedure, Drug
Study Drug: Larotrectinib
Study Phase: Early Phase 1

Summary: This is a pilot study that will evaluate disease status in children that have been newly diagnosed high-grade glioma with TRK fusion. The evaluation will occur after 2 cycles of the medication (Larotrectinib) have been given. The study will also evaluate the safety of larotrectinib when given with chemotherapy in your children; as well as the safety larotrectinib when given post-focal radiation th...

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What are some Advocacy Organizations?
keep-punching-brain-cancer

Keep Punching supports patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in their fight to prevent and eradicate brain cancer and minimize treatment-related side effects that may adversely impact function and comfort.