Neuro-oncology

Neuro-oncology is a medical discipline that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, metastatic CNS tumors, and the neurologic complications of cancer and its treatment.

The Neuro-oncology division at Northwestern was founded in 2003 by Dr. Jeffrey Raizer and has rapidly grown to become the busiest program in Chicago. The division is actively involved with patient care, clinical and basic research, and education of fellows, residents, and medical students.

Clinical Care

The neuro-oncology division provides specialty care for patients with primary or metastatic CNS tumors and cancer patients with general neurologic complaints/issues. Patients are seen in the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center on the 21st floor of the Galter Pavilion. The division is part of the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute, a multidisciplinary team of neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists who specialize in caring for brain tumor patients. Numerous clinical trials using novel agents are available for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors.

Appointments can be made by calling 312-695-7950.

Staff

Jeffrey Raizer, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology, director of the Neuro-oncology division

Sean Grimm, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology

Laurie Rice RN, MS, ANP-BC
Czarina Serra, RN, BSN
Raymond Lezon RN, BSN

Research

Cutting edge clinical and basic science research are being performed by the neuro-oncology division. Dr. Raizer and Dr. Grimm are principal investigators for multiple clinical trials. Basic research is conducted in the laboratories of Dr. Alexander Stegh, Dr. Markus Bredel, and Dr. Jack Kessler. There is an emphasis on translating discoveries from these laboratories into novel treatments for patients in the clinic.

Education

A one year fellowship in neuro-oncology is available for qualified individuals who have completed a neurology or internal medicine residency. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Jeffrey Raizer.