Diagnosing and treating cancer can be complicated, especially for brain and spine cancers. If you have a patient with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis, the team at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is ready to help.
Cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments
“Currently, we’re working on different ways to better diagnose brain and spine tumors,” says neurological surgeon Michele Aizenberg, MD. “Right now, the standard way to diagnose a tumor is that if it’s removable or resectable, we take it out and study the pathology of the tissue. If a mass isn’t removable, because of its location or distribution, we do a biopsy.”
While a biopsy is minimally invasive, it may not always be in the patient’s best interest because they may need to start treatment immediately. “So, we’re looking into diagnosing tumors or proving a mass is a tumor with cerebrospinal fluid and possibly, in the future, with blood.”
Nebraska Medicine also offers the most advanced treatment options available, including:
- Fluorescence-guided surgery to aid with tumor resections.
- Laser ablation with MRI guidance.
- Intraoperative brachytherapy.
“Additionally, we’re working on building a proton facility for radiation therapy, which is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2027,” says Dr. Aizenberg. “This treatment is especially useful for CNS tumors due to its ability to deliver precise radiation and control dose distribution.”
Trials providing the latest breakthroughs
“We also have multiple therapeutic and non-therapeutic studies,” says Dr. Aizenberg. “These trials can help develop new treatments and help providers better understand what patients are experiencing, allowing us to find ways to mitigate side effects of treatments or ways we can improve their lives throughout treatment. We are also working on developing non-invasive imaging biomarkers for disease progression.”
Why trust the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
Studies show that patients tend to have better outcomes when treated by a provider who specializes in a specific practice. “We have a comprehensive and collaborative program where everyone focuses on neuro-oncology,” says Dr. Aizenberg.
This team includes neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and individuals behind the scenes, such as neuropathologists and neuroradiologists.
“With this depth of expertise, patients receive personalized care,” says Dr. Aizenberg. “In combination with the collective advanced technologies and treatments we offer, patients get better treatment options, better support and, hopefully, better quality of life as they deal with their disease and treatments.”
The importance of staying close to home
As the only NCI-designated cancer center in the region, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center provides world-class expertise for patients in Nebraska and surrounding states. without the need to travel far for those in Nebraska and the surrounding area. “We treat patients from all over, not just in the Omaha metro area,” says Dr. Aizenberg.
Likewise, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center team is happy to work with outside providers in a patient’s care. It may not be possible for everyone to attend every appointment, but through telehealth and collaboration, patients can still receive the care they need.
“We’re available and happy to help care for any patients,” says Dr. Aizenberg. “We value our relationships with other providers and want the best outcomes for their patients. Ultimately, we want to make it easy for the patient and other providers to make referrals and get the help they need.”
To refer a patient to the neuro-oncology team at Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, call 402.559.5600. To meet with a provider to learn more about our brain and spine cancer program, email physicianoutreach@nebraskamed.com.