Neurological cancer (neuro-oncology) is the medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis, treatment and management of tumors of the brain and spinal cord. These types of tumors can develop in sensitive locations near nerve tissues and other critical structures, disrupting the function of the central nervous system (CNS) and causing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, motor weakness and cognitive changes.
In partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, our TGH Cancer Institute has a world-class Neurological Cancer Center that delivers state-of-the-art care. Patients with brain and spine tumors benefit from sophisticated treatments and surgeries using the most advanced technologies in the world.
At Tampa General, we’re here to support your cancer journey.
The Tampa General Difference
At Tampa General Hospital we collaborate with our world-class TGH Neuroscience Institute to offer a full spectrum of care for neurological cancer and provide comprehensive treatment for patients affected by a neurological disorder or disease. We are dedicated to treating even the most complex cases, and our renowned expertise means that doctors throughout the country refer their patients to us. Specialists within the program participate in and offer clinical trials to our patients, collaborating with state and national neuro-oncology programs to bring the best science to our patients.
Additionally, Tampa General Hospital is recognized as One of the Nation's Best Hospitals for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, and was also ranked among the top 10% of U.S. hospitals in Neurology and Neurosurgery. In addition, we also earned placement on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025 list.
Tampa General’s team has a dedicated approach, with a core team that treats malignant brain tumors, including a neurological tumor board dedicated to glioma and malignant brain tumors. The team meets regularly to discuss cases, as well as to discuss ongoing clinical trials and research in the neuro-oncology area.
“We bring to the table the most advanced surgical technology in the world,” said Dr. Harry van Loveren, Chief of the TGH Neuroscience Institute and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “We also bring an understanding that every patient and every family member wants to be seen and heard as the unique and precious individual they are. So any recommendation we make is filtered through the lens of ‘what if’ – what if you were my wife, my child, my brother? Would this be my plan?”
Neurological Cancer Specialists
Our multidisciplinary team includes neurological medical oncology specialists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, psychologists, physician assistants, nurses, an integrative medicine team, nutritionists, social workers and more. Additionally, our patients can work directly with a care navigator to answer any questions they may have and ensure their experience is as seamless as possible. We have trained nurse navigators in each specialty area, including radiation oncology, neuron-oncology and neurosurgery, all of whom are trained to help our patients coordinate follow up appointments, connect with their specific doctors and work with them to manage and treat symptoms and concerns. This distinguishes Tampa General, because each patient is receiving a care plan that is designed with them specifically in mind, and includes a navigator who will be with them every step of the way.
One example of the care our nurse navigators provide is the Brain & Spine Tumor Support Group that they lead, with different specialists and presenters every month. Topics include neuropsychology, pain management, nutrition, clinical trials, mindfulness, stress reduction and much more. The mission of the group is to offer emotional support, share valuable information, and foster a sense of community among those affected by these conditions. This support group is open to patients, family members and/or loved ones. To join, register here.
Meet the Neuro-Oncology Team
Conditions Treated by our Neurological Cancer Center
TGH’s Neurological Cancer Center offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for conditions that impact the brain, spine, and nervous system such as:
- Astrocytomas
- Brain Cancer
- Brain Metastases
- Ependymomas
- Glioblastomas
- Gliomas
- Leptomeningeal Disease
- Low-Grade Glial Tumor
- Medulloblastomas
- Meningioma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Paraneoplastic Syndrome
- Pituitary Adenoma
- Pituitary Carcinoma
- Primary and Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
- Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma
- Schwannomas
- Spinal Cord Tumors
Neuro-Oncology Testing & Diagnostics
The neuro-oncology team at TGH’s Neurological Cancer Center utilizes diagnostic techniques and technologies to detect, identify, and monitor neurological cancers. Some of these testing and diagnostics tools include:
- Biopsies
- Image-guided biopsy
- Imaging studies
- Carotid duplex
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Intracranial electroencephalography (EEG)
- Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
- Octreotide scans
- Laboratory tests
- Caris molecular intelligence (CMI)
- Nuclear medicine
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Gallium 68 (68Ga) PET/CT DOTATATE scan
- Tumor Ex Vivo Life Culture Drug Sensitivity Assay (Kiyatec)
Neuro-Oncology Treatment Options
The Neurological Cancer Center offers next-generation, multi-specialty treatment for a variety of diagnoses. Our patients have access to a full spectrum of care, including but not limited to these treatments:
- Medical oncology
- ChemoID
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation oncology
- GammaTile
- Optune therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Stereotatic radiosurgery (SRS)
- Surgical oncology
- Image-guided surgery
- Laser ablation
- Minimally invasive, endoscopic and open skull base surgery
Where other major cancer centers tend to recommend surgical procedure upon surgical procedure, specialists at TGH take a patient-centered approach. Patients are guided through complex treatment options, and physicians help patients and families identify the best treatments options considering overall quality of life.
Exceptional Medical Oncology Service
TGH offers chemotherapy regimens to patients within National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Using personalized medicine, specialists develop and target therapies based on individualized patient needs and match those therapies to our patients based on unique tumor characteristics.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) for Metastatic Brain Tumors
Neurosurgeons at TGH can perform laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) on patients with complex primary and metastatic brain tumors. TGH is one of only a few hospitals in Florida to offer the Visualase System™, the most advanced LITT technology available. TGH was first in the region and one of the first in Florida to introduce this innovative technology.
Center for Precision Radiosurgery - Cyberknife® Expertise
The CyberKnife program at the TGH Cancer Institute offers the most advanced radiosurgery available today to our patients with tumors of the brain, spine and other areas of the body. The CyberKnife system at TGH uses specialized therapy to deliver complex radiation doses with heightened accuracy. The non-surgical, non-invasive, precise targeting results in reduced side effects and better outcomes.
GammaTile Offers New Hope for Patients with Recurring Brain Tumors
Our TGH physicians were the first in Hillsborough County to perform GammaTile procedures on patients experiencing recurring brain tumors such as glioblastomas, gliomas and meningiomas. The FDA-cleared procedure targets residual tumor cells with precise gamma ray doses, slowing the progression of a returning brain tumor. GammaTile offers a potentially less invasive, life-prolonging option for our patients.
Neuro-Oncology Support Services
We know there’s a lot more to cancer than just the actual treatment. With this in mind, we offer comprehensive support services to ensure that patients receive world-class care far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Starting with our nurse navigator who will be with you every step of the way, our support services include genetic counseling, nutrition services, oncology psychology services, an outpatient rehabilitation program (including physical, occupational, speech, lymphedema, and biofeedback therapy), palliative care, patient advocacy and education, patient and caregiver support groups, social work, spiritual care, a survivorship program and financial assistance. Our goal at TGH is to provide you with unparalleled clinical care and more.
You are More than Your Cancer. So is our Approach to Treating You.
Neurological Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
We further demonstrate our continued commitment to world-class care through active participation in clinical trials, which can provide our patients with access to advanced therapies and technologies. To see how clinical trials are positively impacting patients, learn more about research and clinical trials at TGH.