Brain Cancer Program

At Overlake, we offer the latest and most advanced treatment options for brain cancer. We don’t just offer award-winning care for brain cancer—we provide it in a remarkably personalized, supportive and streamlined way.

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with brain cancer, rest assured that our expert care team is ready to step in. At Overlake, we treat all types of brain cancers using state-of-the-art treatments, including innovative treatment options only available in clinical trials through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Treating the brain requires specialized, precise care. Our team of nurse navigators, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons and pathologists meet regularly to discuss the best path forward at each stage of care—because every case is unique. This includes diagnosis, treatment and watching for any changes after treatment. Our team will work closely with you or your loved one to make sure everyone feels comfortable with your treatment plan and that you feel well supported every step of the way.

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Brain cancers we treat

At Overlake, we treat many types of brain tumors including:

• Gliomas (including glioblastomas or GBMs).
• Meningiomas.
• Astrocytomas.
• Metastatic brain tumors (when cancer spreads to the brain from another part of the body).
• Pituitary tumors, including macroadenomas and craniopharyngiomas.
• Cranial nerve sheath tumors including vestibular schwannomas.
• Ependymomas.

Many of these tumors require neurosurgery and additional treatment like radiation or chemotherapy. Non-cancerous brain tumors that don’t require additional treatment beyond surgery are treated through our Brain and Spine Tumor Program.

Treatments for brain cancer

Our experts can treat a wide variety of cancerous (malignant) brain tumors. Your individualized treatment will depend on the type, location, and size of brain cancer. Treatment options include:

• Observation, which can be the first line of treatment for brain cancer. We use imaging to observe the tumor and better understand how it may be changing. This helps us carefully plan for next steps.
• Biopsy to remove a small piece of the tumor to examine under a microscope. Sometimes, a biopsy is done as part of surgery.
• Neurosurgery to remove some or all of a brain tumor. When possible, we use a minimally invasive cranial port system which uses small cuts (incisions) and small, flexible tubes (scopes) to access the brain. We also perform several types of craniotomy surgeries, including highly specialized awake craniotomies where surgeons operate on areas of the brain responsible for speech or movement. For cranial neurosurgery, our team has received a 5-star quality care award from Healthgrades.
• Chemotherapy medicines that can destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy may be an option for some people with certain types of brain cancers. When we use chemotherapy, we do it based on the genetics of the tumor to be able to target the tumor with precision.
• Radiation therapy, which uses beams of high energy to both target and destroy cancer cells. When needed, we can coordinate radiosurgery (gamma knife or proton beam therapy) for people who might benefit from those treatments.

A comprehensive, expert team

When you choose Overlake, you benefit from our team approach that includes highly experienced physicians from the Overlake Cancer Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the Eastside Neuroscience Institute, an innovative partnership between Overlake and EvergreenHealth. The team includes:  

• Neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists who have years of experience treating brain cancer.
• Hospitalists who check on you daily and help coordinate care if you’re admitted to the hospital.
• Anesthesiologists who use medicines to put you in a sleep-like state during surgery, and help ensure your comfort and safety during and after a procedure.
• Nurses who support you through every aspect of your care and explain everything that’s happening in terms you can understand.
• Nurse navigators who help you coordinate appointments, get the input you need from your doctors and answer any and all questions you or your family may have.
• Physical therapists who can help you improve your ability to move during and after treatment.
• Speech therapists who assess how well you’re able to use the part of your brain responsible for language and help with any communication challenges as a result of treatment.
• Palliative care providers who help you better understand what to expect and prepare you for the best possible quality of life by assisting with symptom management and providing another layer of emotional, medical and logistical support. 
• Social workers who help with financial and insurance needs as well as the emotional challenges of going through cancer treatment.

Additionally, through our partnership with Fred Hutch Cancer Center, you will have access to  clinical trials. These trials offer innovative cancer treatments before they become widely available.

Care that’s easier to navigate

Receiving a brain cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why we try to make your experience as smooth as possible. We're close to home for families on the Eastside, and our hospital is easy to navigate and has plenty of parking. When you arrive, you’ll be seen promptly, and, when possible, your nurse navigator will schedule your appointments together, so you don’t have to come to our center more times than necessary.

Families who choose us love the ease of being treated at a smaller, well-coordinated center. Why? Because they avoid the frustration of poor customer service and having to wait on hold for 20 minutes. Instead, they experience compassionate care from a team that goes out of their way to make everything a little less stressful.

Support for every step of the way

Treating brain cancer can take time. Sometimes, specialized genetic testing takes several weeks to get results, and recovering from surgery can require an extended hospital stay. But we will be there for you or your family at every step of the way. If you are ever unsure about the next step in your care, your nurse navigator is always just a phone call away!

For more information on brain cancer care at Overlake, please call us at (425) 635-6560.