Inova’s Top Neurology Experts Offer Comprehensive Care

Team Approach

Linda Rose rarely had headaches, so two summers ago when a nagging pain in her head wouldn’t go away, her husband suggested she see her doctor. After a thorough examination, Rose’s general practitioner referred her to a hospital for imaging studies. A CT scan and an MRI revealed a 4-inch tumor on the left side of her brain.

Rose, 66, and her husband met with Allen Waziri, MD, a neurosurgeon who is Co-Director of Inova Neuro-Oncology Program and Director of Inova Brain Tumor Laboratory. Dr. Waziri diagnosed Rose with a stage IV glioblastoma, a complex brain tumor. Treatment would require the concerted effort of a team of specialists from multiple fields including neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology and neuropathology.

Coordinated Care

Fortunately, Rose was in the right place for her care. Inova Fairfax Hospital is ranked among the best in the region for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report, and is nationally recognized for its groundbreaking research in personalized, targeted medicine.

“The development of Inova Brain Tumor Program has been entirely dependent on the collaborative spirit and dedication of the physicians involved in the program,” says Dr. Waziri. “All of the subspecialists on our team see Linda on a regular basis and remain actively involved with her care.”

Dr. Waziri recommended surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Over the course of her treatment, Rose spent time with her family and friends at her mountainside home in Delaplane, walked, read books and blogged about her experience at the hospital.

“Dr. Waziri is a wonderful doctor; I just love him. I think he’s great,” says Rose. “Everyone has just been wonderful.”

Personalized Therapy

Last October, a routine MRI revealed that the tumor had returned. Fortunately, Rose is being treated at a destination-level center that offers advanced therapeutic options ranging beyond the traditional standard of care. Dr. Waziri recommended that Rose join a clinical trial offered through Inova Brain Tumor Program.

“Linda is currently enrolled in a trial that utilizes re-irradiation in combination with a biological therapy that is specifically designed to decrease new blood vessel growth,” says Dr. Waziri. “The overall goal is to provide a one-two punch against the recurrent tumor.”

“I feel good,” says Rose. “I’m really glad to be in the study.”

LEADING-EDGE THERAPY

To find out about clinical trials at Inova Neuroscience Research Program, call 703.269.4750.

Research in Action

For patients with brain tumors who require treatment beyond the traditional standard of care, clinical trials through Inova Neuroscience Research Program offer direct access to personalized, highly targeted therapies. Internationally recognized neuroscience physicians and researchers work collaboratively to make effective new treatments available to patients in a timely manner.

“We are developing ways to target invading brain tumor cells with either personalized therapy or by augmenting the tumor-specific immune response system,” says Dr. Waziri, head of Inova Brain Tumor Laboratory. “We have several early-phase clinical trials that are exploring both of these possibilities, which are unique to Inova and may lead to important new therapeutic options for patients with brain cancer.”

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