The Future of Neurology: The Neuro-Oncology Model
摘要
Neuro-oncology is an independent discipline, which includes the management of primary and secondary central nervous system tumors, nonmetastatic disorders of the nervous system directly or indirectly related to systemic cancer, and neurological complications of antineoplastic treatments. The management of brain and spinal tumors presents critical issues in care pathways, but the multidisciplinary team is optimally suited to navigate patients’ entire care journeys. The multidisciplinary team spans general neurologists and neurologist specialists. General neurologists are key players in diagnosis, monitoring, and management of neurological complications of systemic cancer. Neuropathologists utilize modern molecular biology tools, in addition to conventional histology, to provide integrated diagnoses. Neuroradiologists oversee neuroimaging investigations across the continuum of care. Neurosurgeons represent the first professionals involved in treating brain tumors through advanced technologies, while radiation oncologists expertly deliver radiation using several new techniques. Medical neuro-oncologists (either neurologists or medical oncologists) coordinate all aspects of antineoplastic drug treatments. Research and teaching activities, as well as dissemination of knowledge and philanthropy, are also important issues in patient care and represent several new challenging horizons in brain tumor research and treatment.