Los Angeles (January 14, 1999) -- Advancements in chemotherapy treatment are allowing patients with certain types of brain tumors to live longer and fuller lives, according to neurooncologist Paul M. Zeltzer, M.D., Division of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Zeltzer will share the most up-to-date developments in the treatment of tumors of the nervous system and discuss various aspects of chemotherapy at the next meeting of the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute Brain Tumor Support Program from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. The program will be held in Cedars-Sinai's Educational Conference Center Room B, located in the North Tower, Plaza Level, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Parking is free.
Dr. Zeltzer's presentation will provide information on chemotherapy, general side effects and ways to control them. He will also discuss combined treatment approaches that involve surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and what patients can expect in terms of results. Another topic will be Decadron, a powerful cortisone given to patients to reduce swelling around the brain tumor.
"There may be people using this medication who are unclear about its role and effect," said Dr. Zeltzer, who explained that Decadron is also used as a chemotherapy agent in the treatment of other types of tumors.
The Brain Tumor Support Program provides psychosocial support for patients, families and significant others who are faced with a diagnosis of brain tumor. The free program is conducted in collaboration with the Wellness Community of West Los Angeles and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health. The support group provides emotional, psychological and educational support that aids participants in their efforts toward recovery and greater quality of life.
Following Dr. Zeltzer's presentation, attendees will split into two groups -- one for patients and the other for family members, caregivers and significant others. These groups are facilitated by either a therapist from the Wellness Community or a psychologist from the Thalians Mental Health Department.
The Brain Tumor Support Program, which meets the third Thursday of each month, provides support as well as updates on the latest medical advancements in brain tumor research and treatment. Upcoming meetings will focus on using humor to heal, organizational skills for daily living, legal resources and nutritional support.
The internationally recognized Institute is a comprehensive center dedicated to research and care for neurosurgical cases, including brain tumors, neurovascular disease, functional disorders, trauma and other complex conditions requiring neurosurgical intervention. This month, the Institute launched the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, a new diagnostic and treatment program that provides an unmatched level of expertise and care in the Southern California area.
For information on attending the support group, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771). The Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute also operates a 24-hour information hotline: 310-967-0874.