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Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship

Faculty

The Department of Neurosurgery has 10 clinical faculty and four research faculty. Clinical faculty members are recognized for particular expertise in the surgical treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors, pituitary adenoma surgery, cranial base surgery, spinal reconstructive surgery, pain, pediatric neurosurgery and stereotactic surgery, including radiosurgery

Clinical Activity

During the fiscal year of 2004-2005, the department had 5286 clinic visits and 1428 surgical cases. Of the surgical cases, approximately one-half of the patients have had a prior surgical procedure. This population provides considerable operative and re-operative experience for the neurosurgical oncology fellow.

Research Activity

The department has four active laboratories under the direction of full-time Ph.D.s and M.D.s. 

Ongoing Projects 

  • Mechanisms of inducing immunity against human brain tumors with microglia
  • The development of malignant glioma-specific cell death system using the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter system
  • The development of antisense telomerase RNA therapy
  • The role of autophagy in cancer therapy
  • The mechanism of cell death and differentiation of neural stem cells after radiation
  • The role of the insulin-like growth factors in meningioma growth and progression
  • Molecular mechanisms of glioma and brain metastasis
  • PMMA-based delivery of antineoplastic agents

The department emphasizes clinical research with seven active clinical trials currently underway including a prospective randomized trial of surgery vs. radiosurgery for single brain metastases, a prospective randomized trial of WBRT for single or multiple metastases after resection, a prospective trial for new and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme and outcome of resection, a prospective randomized trial of prophylactic phenytion for primary or metastatic lesions undergoing resection and EGFRvIII active immunotherapy trial for glioblastoma multiforme. Two prospective randomized trials will be open soon; indomethacin vs. placebo for malignant gliomas undergoing WBRT and convection enhanced delivery of IL13PE38-QQR vs. Gliadel wafers in malignant gliomas. Three prospective trials for spinal lesions are currently undergoing IRB review.

How to Apply

Apply to this program using the DISCOVER online application system

 

 

 

Contact Information

Jeffrey S. Weinberg, M.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Training
Department of Neurosurgery, Box 442
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, Texas USA 77030
Telephone: 713-563-8705
Facsimile: 713-794-4950
E-mail: bkrell@mdanderson.org

General Information

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is located in the Texas Medical Center, which boasts:

  • The finest in medical education and treatment
  • Numerous parks, including Hermann Park which has an outdoor theater and large zoo
  • An academic and cultural arena that includes Baylor College of Medicine, Rice and St. Thomas Universities, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Arts
  • Houston's noted symphony orchestra, opera, theater, and ballet are within close proximity
  • Other sites of various activities available within a few minutes' drive include Moody Gardens, Sam Houston Race Park, Gulf Greyhound Park, Trader's Village, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Six Flags AstroWorld, SplashTown Waterpark, Downtown Aquarium, Space Center, Lone Star Flight Museum, San Jacinto Battlefield, Reliant Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center
  • For more information, go to Visit Houston or GuestLife Houston

The cost of living is moderate and housing very reasonable.


© 2009 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center