Charleston-Based Neuro-Oncologists Dedicated to Providing Advanced Brain Tumor Treatments

Charleston-Based Neuro-Oncologists Dedicated to Providing Advanced Brain Tumor Treatments

In Charleston, South Carolina, a noteworthy team of two neuro-oncologists are single-handedly forging new avenues of hope for patients suffering from brain tumors. At the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center, Drs. Alicia Zukas and Scott Lindhorst are utilising innovative technologies, conducting clinical trials, and dedicated to enhancing patients’ quality of life.

Expertise and Passion at the Helm of Brain Tumor Treatments

Being the only neuro-oncologists in South Carolina doesn’t discourage Drs. Zukas and Lindhorst; on the contrary, it fuels them to identify the best treatments for an array of brain tumors, believed to be over 150 different types. For more than a decade, they have been enhancing patient care at MUSC, strongly motivated by the rapidly evolving field of oncology and the enriching patient interactions they’ve had.

With intellectual stimulation stemming from clinical trials, evaluating research, and devising customised treatment approaches, the duo expressed how their work positively impacts patients. Dr Zukas elaborated how despite the devastating nature of brain tumors, the satisfaction of helping and affecting patients’ lives favourably makes striving for a cure worthwhile.

Advanced Care, Clinical Trials and a Multidisciplinary Approach

Teamwork and collaboration are key at MUSC. Covered by the expertise of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, pharmacists, physical therapists, speech language therapists, and psychologists, brain tumor patients receive holistic care underpinned by a multidisciplinary strategy. Affiliated teams specialising in breast, lung, and skin cancers also contribute, lending knowledge on metastasized cancers.

Being South Carolina’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, MUSC offers access to promising clinical trials even for rare tumors. Dr. Lindhorst affirmed their ambition to broaden the spectrum of clinical trials, which he believes is the key to progress and the unique offering of tertiary care centers like MUSC.

Clinical Trials Steering the Course of Advancements

MUSC’s participation in various clinical trial networks, most notably, the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC), has opened avenues for new, innovative therapies. One highlight was INDIGO, a clinical trial for a targeted therapy for grade 2 gliomas, which is anticipated to receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval soon.

In recent times, Zukas and Lindhorst have seen advancement in neuro-oncology, marked by the rollout of new therapies that include chemotherapy and radiation therapy implanted directly into the brain. This enables dosage to be concentrated around the tumor area, improving precision. New genes-targeting drugs and devices employing electrical fields to hinder tumor growth also point to the exciting potential future of neuro-oncology.

The duo’s dedication, combined with continuous advancement in the field of neuro-oncology, are showing promising signs for the betterment of brain cancer patients. The close-knit collaboration between the different departments at MUSC provide an integrated network of support and expertise to patients, bringing hope and innovative healthcare capabilities to the residents of South Carolina.