The Karmanos Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team uses an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treat patients suffering from tumors of the brain and spinal cord. We use the most advanced treatments available including conventional and computer-assisted neurosurgery, micro-neurosurgery, brain mapping/awake craniotomy, endoscopic neurosurgery, complex spine surgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery and intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

The members of the Karmanos Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team meet weekly to review and discuss new patients referred for opinions or for care. Patients who come to Karmanos will have their cases presented to the multidisciplinary team conference meeting. Each case is discussed with the team to determine the best course of treatment.

Qualification of Members

Karmanos’ team of neuro-oncology specialists include several nationally recognized experts with years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological cancers. As leaders in their respective professional organizations and editors of books, chapters and articles on neurological cancers, many are recognized by their peers as America’s best doctors.

Team members include representatives from surgical and medical neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, radiation physicists, neuro-oncology and radiation oncology nurses, and neuro-oncology nurse practitioners.

Team Members

Geoffrey Barger, M.D., (Co-Leader), Neurology
Sandeep Mittal, M.D., (Co-Leader), Neurosurgery
Rimma Aronov, M.D., Neuroradiology
Hazem Eltahawy, M.D., Neurosurgery
Murali Guthikonda, M.D., Neurosurgery
Mark Hornyak, M.D., Neurosurgery
Harold Kim, M.D., Radiation Oncology
Karl Kish, M.D., Neuroradiology
Andre Konski, M.D., Radiation Oncology
William J. Kupsky, M.D., Neuropathology
Jordan Maier, M.D., Radiation Oncology
Edward Monsel, M.D., Neuro-Otology
Natasha Robinette, M.D., Neuroradiology
Imad Zak, M.D., Neuroradiology
Alit Jeannie Amit-Yousif, M.D., Neuroradiology

Marcia Lodej, RN, MDT Coordinator
Karen Nichols, Nurse Practitioner

The team also includes representatives from the Clinical Trials Office and the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service.

Clinical Trials

Karmanos physicians conduct clinical trials as part of our National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center mission. When appropriate, patients will be given the opportunity to participate in a number of national and local clinical research trials. The spectrum of investigations include screening and early detection, combined modality treatments for locally advanced cancers of the brain and central nervous system, clinical trials of combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy, novel targeted therapies including drugs that attack tumor growth pathways and blood supply, and other novel chemotherapies via our Phase I Clinical/Pharmacology program.

Cancer Genetics

Patients may be referred for a cancer genetics evaluation. Our cancer genetics specialists can determine the likelihood of whether the cancers in the family are hereditary, can advise patients about the appropriateness of cancer genetic testing and can give them information about their personal and family cancer risks, including their options for prevention, early detection and treatment.

On Appointment Day

Each patient receives personal attention from Karmanos Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team staff members and physicians. A team physician evaluates the patient, reviews all records, and presents the patient’s records, X-rays and pathology slides for team discussion.

After the team conference, your physician shares the team’s recommendations with you and family members the same day. Expedited appointments are available for any tests or procedures that are required before a final recommendation is made. Expedited consultations with additional team members (surgeon, radiation therapist, etc.) are also available.

Appointments

Patients or referring patients may call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266). A specially trained program coordinator is available to answer questions and schedule appointments.