Neuro-Oncology Center
The Stony Brook Neuro-Oncology Center offers comprehensive care for primary and metastatic brain and spinal cord tumors, skull base tumors, pituitary tumors, nerve sheath tumors, and neurological complications of cancer.
As part of Stony Brook Medicine’s cancer care program, we understand the anxiety that accompanies a cancer diagnosis and strive to provide a supportive and comfortable environment for you and your family.
Stony Brook Medicine’s cancer program has received full accreditation and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.
Our multidisciplinary team, led by Co-Directors Agnes Kowalska, MD, and Charles Mikell, MD, includes experts in neurology, neurosurgery, pathology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and neuroradiology. This collaboration ensures state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options tailored to your needs.
During your first several weeks with us, you'll undergo diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans and possibly a biopsy. Based on these evaluations, our specialists will develop a customized treatment plan that may include medication, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is one cornerstone of cancer treatment and involves the administration of intravenous liquid cancer-fighting drugs through the veins. We offer the most advanced therapies, including intracarotid (through the carotid artery in the neck) cisplatin, which has been extremely effective for our patients. Our chemotherapy suite is equipped with comfortable recliners, large-screen TVs, and a friendly, caring staff of nurses who are always available to answer questions or simply talk.
We are committed to research and offer access to cutting-edge clinical trials. Additionally, we provide support groups and educational resources to empower patients and their families.
Services
We offer diagnosis and treatment for all benign and malignant tumors of neurological origin, including the brain, brain stem, spinal cord, nerve sheath and pituitary gland.
Diagnostic Services
- Neurological Exam
- Imaging: X-ray, Myelogram, Ultrasound, Angiogram, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Biopsy: Including stereotactic biopsy
Therapeutic Services
- Supportive Medication
- Radiation Therapy: Including stereotactic radiosurgery using a state-of-the-art linear accelerator-based system (LINAC)
- Surgery: Endoscopic removal of skull base tumors, Embolization of tumors, Excision/resection of brain and spine tumors
- Chemotherapy: Intravenous and intracarotid cisplatin
- Pain Management
- Seizure Management: With board-certified epileptologists
- Management of Neurological Complications: Headaches, radiation necrosis
Support Services
- Support Groups: For emotional and psychological support
- Facilitated Discussions and Counseling: To assist patients and families
Our Team
Our physicians are involved in training the neuro-oncology physicians of the future and as expert academicians, they are invited to give lectures frequently at medical institutions across the country.
Patient Resources
We offer patients and their families a variety of resources, including support groups, facilitated meetings, and reading materials covering many topics, including diet and nutrition. Our goal is to empower you to be an active partner in your care and understand all aspects of your condition.
Useful Links
Support Group Meetings
Brain tumor support meetings are held virtually through Microsoft Teams on the 3rd Wednesday of every other month from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Register Here.
For privacy concerns or more information, contact Erin Harabes, LMHC, at (631) 444-3448 or erin.harabes@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
Participation in Clinical Trials
At Stony Brook Medicine, we value research highly. It contributes to the advancement of the field and gives qualified patients access to the most cutting-edge treatment options. As a patient, you may have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of clinical trials, offering you a therapeutic potential not available elsewhere.
