Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Care for Patients with Cancer That Has Spread to the Brain
The UF Health Brain Metastasis Program at the Preston A. Wells Brain Tumor Center provides comprehensive care for patients whose cancer has spread to the brain. Our program combines world-class clinical expertise, innovative research, and compassionate patient support to deliver personalized treatment for each patient.
Because brain metastases often occur in patients already undergoing complex cancer treatment, care must be carefully coordinated across multiple specialties. At UF Health, our team works together to design individualized treatment plans that address both the brain tumor and the patient’s overall cancer care.
A True Multidisciplinary Team
Patients with brain metastases benefit most when specialists collaborate closely. At UF, your care team may include experts in:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Neuroradiology
- Neuropathology
- Palliative care
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Nutrition services
- Social work and patient navigation
Through multidisciplinary tumor boards and coordinated clinic visits, our specialists review each case together and develop a unified treatment plan. This team-based approach allows us to deliver the most advanced therapies while minimizing treatment burden for patients and families.
Advanced Treatments for Brain Metastases
Our physicians specialize in the most advanced therapies for metastatic brain tumors, including:
- Complex neurosurgical resection
- Surgery with intra-operative MRI
- Awake surgery for brain mapping
- Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT)
- Stereotactic radiosurgery and advanced radiation techniques from pioneers in the field
- Systemic therapies that target cancers that spread to the brain
- Novel immunotherapies and targeted therapies
- Clinical trials for patients with limited treatment options
Patients are evaluated individually to determine the optimal combination of surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, and supportive care.
Access to Innovative Clinical Trials
As an academic medical center, UF Health provides patients access to innovative therapies not widely available elsewhere.
Investigators at the UF Preston A. Wells Brain Tumor Center are leading research into new treatments for metastatic brain tumors. These efforts include:
- Novel immunotherapy approaches
- Precision medicine trials tailored to tumor genetics
- Emerging cell therapies
One of our newest investigational treatments is a CD70-targeted CAR T cell therapy designed specifically for patients with systemic cancers that metastasize to the brain and express CD70. This innovative therapy reflects UF’s commitment to translating laboratory discoveries into new treatment options for patients.
National Leadership in Brain Tumor Research
The UF Department of Neurosurgery is consistently recognized as a national leader in brain tumor research. According to Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, UF Neurosurgery is #2 in the United States in NIH funding, reflecting the strength of our scientific programs and our commitment to advancing treatments for patients with brain tumors.
Our physician-scientists work closely with laboratory researchers to rapidly translate discoveries into clinical trials and new therapies.
Training the Next Generation of Brain Tumor Specialists
As part of the University of Florida College of Medicine, our program plays a central role in educating future leaders in neuro-oncology.
Faculty in the Brain Metastasis Program train:
- Neurosurgery residents
- Medical oncology fellows
- Radiation oncology trainees
- Medical students
- Research scientists
This academic environment ensures that our patients benefit from a team deeply engaged in the latest advances in cancer treatment.
Comprehensive Support for Patients and Families
A diagnosis of brain metastasis can be overwhelming. Our program provides extensive support services to help patients and families navigate treatment.
Our social work team, led by Jennifer St. Clair, provides resources including:
- Patient and family counseling
- Assistance with lodging and travel
- Gas cards and financial support programs
- Connections to community resources
- Patient and family events such as Cancer Chomp, which helps patients build community and support networks.
These services are designed to ensure that patients receive not only world-class medical care but also the emotional and practical support they need throughout treatment.
Why Patients and Physicians Refer to UF
Patients and referring physicians choose UF Health because we offer:
- Multidisciplinary brain metastasis expertise
- Advanced neurosurgical and radiation therapies
- Access to innovative clinical trials
- National leadership in brain tumor research
- Comprehensive patient support services
- A coordinated program designed to simplify complex cancer care
Our goal is to provide the most advanced treatments available while supporting patients and families every step of the way.