Keeping Your Glioma Treatment On Course

Cancer care is a collaborative effort

Leading up to your official diagnosis, as well as during your care, you may be treated by one or a combination of different specialists in order to provide you with the most comprehensive care.

Oncology care team members

Primary care physician (PCP)

Your local doctor. Although a PCP may not specialize in brain tumor care, they can be a resource for finding specialists and helping to coordinate your overall care.

Neurosurgeon/Neurosurgical oncologist

A surgeon specializing in surgery of the central nervous system.

Neuro-oncologist

A doctor specializing in treating patients with cancers or tumors of the central nervous system.

Medical oncologist

A doctor specializing in treating patients with cancers or tumors in the body.

Neuro-oncology nurse

A registered nurse specializing in supporting and educating patients who have brain tumors.

Nurse practitioner or physician assistant

A primary care provider who may work alongside a doctor to develop your treatment plan.

Medical/Clinical assistant

Provides basic clinical services to patients, often in outpatient settings.

Nurse navigator

Assists with appointment management, disease education, information on symptoms and side effects, finding resources, and more.

Oncology pharmacist

A pharmacist who specializes in cancer medicine to help the healthcare team select treatment and administer it safely.

Radiation oncologist

A doctor specializing in using radiation to treat cancer.

Recovery care team members

Occupational therapist

A licensed and specially trained therapist who works with people who have functional impairments or limitations to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Physical therapist

A licensed health professional (with at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy), who helps examine, test, and treat physical problems, and uses exercises, heat, cold, and other methods to restore or maintain the body’s strength, mobility, and function.

Mental health professional

Psychiatrists and psychologists are examples of mental health professionals. They may provide counseling and/or prescribe medication to improve your mental and emotional health.

Depending on the experience and symptoms that you’re having, other specialists may be a part of your care team. Understanding the roles each specialist plays can help you better navigate your care journey. Remember, you are your best advocate, so be sure to communicate your feelings and ask any questions you may have.

Move ahead with confidence

It is important to remain aware of all the glioma care options available to you. It is established practice for patients or caregivers to seek a second opinion from another specialist after receiving their diagnosis, and your doctor should encourage you to do so.

Your care team can assist you in finding an appropriate secondary specialist to consult.

Clinical trials & expanded access programs

Cancer care is constantly improving, and new or experimental treatments may be available at the time of your diagnosis. They may be directly available through your care team, or through one of the many clinical trials currently underway.

Expanded Access Programs, also known as compassionate drug use, allow patients to be treated with investigational medical products outside of clinical trials. Your doctor can enroll you in one of these trials or programs if they believe you may experience a benefit, so be sure to discuss this option.

If none are available to you, do not be discouraged; it just means you are already receiving the latest and most effective treatment.

Glioma support groups

Patient support groups

Many patients going through a cancer diagnosis find comfort and community in the various support groups and organizations that exist to aid patients and caregivers undergoing treatment.

You are encouraged to seek out and participate in these organizations to best equip yourself for your treatment journey.

Brain tumor support groups

American Brain Tumor Association

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Brain Tumor Network

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End Brain Cancer Initiative

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National Brain Tumor Society

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Oligo Nation

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Groups for all types of cancer

CancerCare

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Triage Cancer

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Caregiver support groups

Caregivers for individuals going through cancer treatment often have similar emotional and financial difficulties as the patients themselves. If you are a caregiver for a loved one, know that it is just as important to take care of yourself.

Caregiver Action Network

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National Alliance for Caregiving

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Patient Organizations are a useful resource for patients and their loved ones who are impacted by glioma. For information on glioma, tools, clinical trials, connecting with others, and financial resources these, and other, organizations may be an additional resource.

Servier provides charitable funding to many patient organizations providing support and education to patients and families. The above list may not include all patient organizations available to patients and families.

See glioma resources