CancerNeurology & Neurosurgery

Brain Tumor Center

(415) 353-2966

The UCSF Brain Tumor Center is one of the largest and most comprehensive programs in the nation for the treatment of brain and spinal tumors. We treat all grades of tumors, whether newly diagnosed or recurring after previous treatment. We also offer specialized care for patients with CNS metastases, tumors that have spread to the central nervous system. Our team brings together neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists, as well as other health professionals with expertise in these conditions.

Our mission is to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes and quality of life, using the latest treatments and technology. These include advanced intra-operative imaging and brain mapping techniques to protect areas of the brain used for language, motor skills and sensory function during surgery, as well as radiosurgery with Gamma Knife and CyberKnife and access to clinical trials of promising new therapies.

Our comprehensive approach includes a caregiver program, dedicated to helping our patients' caregivers and family members get the resources and support they need.

We are part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences.

Our locations

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    Patient education

    Brain Tumor Patient and Family Resource Guide

    The diagnosis of a brain tumor can affect your life in many ways. As such, we have compiled a guide of resources to help you better cope with your condition.

    Conditions we treat

    Treatments we specialize in

    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Support Group

    Cancer Support Groups

    Support groups held by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

    Fitness

    Core and More Class

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Gift Shop

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Class

    Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program

    At UCSF, we understand that a brain tumor diagnosis affects not only our patients, but also their families and loved ones. Learn more about the program here.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers can be key members of your cancer care team. Reach out for support, problem solving and help accessing UCSF's many cancer-related resources.

    Patient Resource

    Patient and Family Cancer Support Center

    You'll find support groups, classes, a library, treatment information, special events and much more to promote wellness and healing for patients and families.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Program for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Fitness

    Restorative Movement Class

    Explore simple movements that help you feel more powerful and comfortable in your body. This fun and free UCSF class is aimed at those in recovery from cancer.

    Patient Resource

    Spa Infusion

    Pamper yourself while fighting cancer. Free treatments for patients receiving chemotherapy at our Mount Zion campus include massage, acupressure and more.

    Our team

    Decorative Caduceus

    Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation of Surgical Treatment for Cervical Deformity: A Multi-Cent...

    Self-reported pain in Head where 0=no pain/10=severe pain

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Complex Adult Deformity Surgery

    Scoliosis specific patient reported outcome

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Tumor Treating Fields With Chemoradiation in Newly Diagnosed GBM

    Number of patients who experienced a treatment-related adverse event

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Refractory Chronic Pain

    Visual Analog Score is indicated by the patient by marking a 10 cm line as they rate their pain intensity from 0 to 100 in mm.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Serial MR Imaging and MR Spectroscopic Imaging for the Characterization of Lower Grade Glioma

    Safety evaluation for endpoint will include monitoring for the occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs). Reported toxicities will be graded using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology (Toxicity) Crite...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Vigilant ObservatIon of GlIadeL WAfer ImplaNT Registry

    Time from Gliadel placement to death

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    A Pilot Surgical Trial To Evaluate Early Immunologic Pharmacodynamic Parameters For The PD-1 Ch...

    To measure changes in tumor infiltrating T lymphocyte (TIL) density. It will be assessed using pooled Group A and Group B patients and compared to appropriate historical controls.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    PVSRIPO and Pembrolizumab in Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma

    Objective response rate (comprised of patients meeting an objective radiographic response or ORR): Patients achieving a CR or PR. DOR: Time from first ORR observed (once confirmed) until PD first observed (once confirmed) or deat...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    ONC201 in Adults With Recurrent H3 K27M-mutant Glioma

    Best overall response rate by RANO

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Trial of Newly Diagnosed High Grade Glioma Treated With Concurrent Radiation Therapy, Temozolom...

    Assessment of overall survival. With standard treatment, the median survival of Grade IV patients is expected to be 14.6 months, and the median survival of Grade III is approximately 36 months. Given that we anticipate that approx...

    Recruiting

    Rankings & achievements

    • usnews-neurology

      Best hospital in Northern California

    • Best in Northern California in cancer care

    • n1-2x

      in the U.S. for number of brain tumor patients treated

    Accreditations & memberships

    • National Cancer Institute

      The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.

      Learn more

    • Commission on Cancer

      UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.

      Learn more

    • National Comprehensive Cancer Network

      UCSF is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.

      Learn more
    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • MRI scans taken no more than three to four weeks prior
    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live in another country and are coming to UCSF for medical
    treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreters

    UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited
    English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
    Zion.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

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    Our research initiatives

    • UCSF-Brain-Tumor-Center-Clinical-Trials-2x

      UCSF Brain Tumor Center Clinical Trials

      The UCSF Brain Tumor Center is home to many laboratories dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of brain cancer. The labs explore aspects of brain tumor risk, biology, diagnosis and treatment.

      Learn more
    • UCSF-Helen-Diller-Family-Comprehensive-Cancer-Center-Research-2x

      UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research

      UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.

      Learn more

    Do you need pediatric care?

    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

    Can't find what you're looking for?

    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273
    [email protected]

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