MedifocusHealth

The treatment of patients who are diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme involves a multidisciplinary team of physicians and other health care professionals. Members of this treatment team usually include:

• Neurosurgeon - a surgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

• Neuro-oncologist - a cancer specialist who has expertise in treating cancer of the central nervous system.

• Neuroradiologist - a radiologist who specializes in the diagnosis of tumors of the brain and spinal cord.

• Radiation oncologist - a cancer specialist who has expertise in administering radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer.

Other important members of the treatment team usually include:

• Nurse practitioner - a registered nurse with a masters (MS) or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree who is licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and who works closely with physicians. In many states, nurse practitioners are also licensed to prescribe medications.

• Psychologist - a mental health professional who works closely with the cancer team to help patients and their families better cope with the psychological and emotional aspects of brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.

• Social worker - a social worker who specializes in working with cancer patients can assist patients and their families with a variety of health-related issues, including legal and financial issues, that may arise during and after treatment for a brain tumor.