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?
Allan H. Friedman
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Allan H. Friedman
Neurosurgery
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Allan H. Friedman
Neurosurgery

Duke Cancer Center Brain Tumor Clinic

20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
Durham, NC 
919-684-5301
Languages Spoken:
English, German
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Allan Friedman is a Neurosurgery provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Friedman is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Laminectomy. Dr. Friedman is currently accepting new patients.

Juan C. Tejada
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Juan C. Tejada
Neurosurgery
Distinguished in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Juan C. Tejada
Neurosurgery

Advocate Medical Group Neurosurgery

716 S Milwaukee Ave, 
Libertyville, IL 
847-362-1848
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances

Juan Tejada is a Neurosurgery provider in Libertyville, Illinois. Dr. Tejada is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Posterior Fossa Tumor, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Apoplexy, Awake Craniotomy, and Microdiscectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Maryam Fouladi
Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Elite in Brain Stem Cancer
Dr. Maryam Fouladi
Pediatric Hematology Oncology
536 S Trimble Rd, 
Mansfield, OH 
614-722-6200
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances

Maryam Fouladi is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Mansfield, Ohio. Dr. Fouladi is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Brain Stem Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Diffuse Midline Glioma H3 K27M-Mutant, Glioma, Medulloblastoma, and Brain Stem Cancer.

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What are the latest Brain Stem Cancer Clinical Trials?
Phase 1 Study of B7-H3-Specific CAR T Cell Locoregional Immunotherapy for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/Diffuse Midline Glioma and Recurrent or Refractory Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors
Phase 1 Study of B7-H3-Specific CAR T Cell Locoregional Immunotherapy for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/Diffuse Midline Glioma and Recurrent or Refractory Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors
Who is this study for: Patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma/Diffuse midline glioma and recurrent or refractory pediatric central nervous system tumors
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 15, 2025
Intervention Type: Biological
Study Drug: B7H3-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cell
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: This is a Phase 1 study of central nervous system (CNS) locoregional adoptive therapy with autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells lentivirally transduced to express a B7H3-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and EGFRt. CAR T cells are delivered via an indwelling catheter into the tumor resection cavity or ventricular system in children and young adults with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), ...

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A Phase 1/2 Trial of CBL0137 (NSC# 825802) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors Including CNS Tumors and Lymphoma
A Phase 1/2 Trial of CBL0137 (NSC# 825802) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors Including CNS Tumors and Lymphoma
Who is this study for: Patients with Glioma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: October 24, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug, Procedure
Study Drug: FACT Complex-Targeting Curaxin CBL0137
Study Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2

Summary: This phase I/II trial evaluates the best dose, side effects and possible benefit of CBL0137 in treating patients with solid tumors, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors or lymphoma that has come back (relapsed) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Drugs, such as CBL0137, block signals passed from one molecule to another inside a cell. Blocking these signals can affect many funct...

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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.