UC Brain Tumor Center

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Radiation Seeds

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For several years neuroscientists at the University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center have been intensively studying the implantation of radiation seeds, also known as brachytherapy, following tumor removal. The radiation seeds, about the size of grains of rice, consist of titanium casings containing low-radioactivity iodine 125. After a tumor’s removal, about 50 to 100 seeds are placed in the surgical cavity, where they remain permanently. They give an effective radiation dose over a period of six months. They continuously emit radiation during that timeframe, thus killing remaining microscopic tumor cells in the surrounding brain. Preliminary studies have demonstrated the safety of permanent seed implants to both the patient and the surrounding environment (i.e., loved ones) and have shown their ability to control brain tumors for extended periods of time.

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Hope, Innovation, Progress, Support:

The 2010 Midwest Regional Brain Tumor Conference

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Hope Stories

Alisha's Story: Acoustic Neuroma

There was a time in Alisha’s young life when she was angry at her fate and bitter about her life. “I wondered why this had to happen to me,” she said. Her outlook has changed to one of eagerness and optimism.

Ameer's Story: Pituitary Tumor

Ameer’s friends noticed the weight loss, and they kept asking him about it. Was he OK? Ameer wasn’t concerned at first. Then he began to notice that he couldn’t see people approaching him from the side. His peripheral vision was deteriorating.

Blake's Story: Medulloblastoma

Blake knew he was in the right hands the moment he saw the surgeon’s wrists. Dr. John M. Tew, Blake’s neurosurgeon, was wearing one of Lance Armstrong’s yellow LiveStrong cancer bracelets. So was Blake. Dr. Tew, who was also sporting a Tour de France lanyard, was an avid cyclist. So was Blake.

Brian's Story: Meningioma

“Carefree” is the word Brian uses to describe his life back then.

He was 39 years old, happily married and the father of three children under the age of 5.

“Life was busy, but that felt normal,” he says, reflecting. “The only lingering health issue was consistent headaches for a period of two-plus years.”

Charlene's Story: 5 Years and Counting with Glioblastoma

As a five-year survivor of glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most dangerous types of brain tumors, Charlene has reached a notable landmark.

Doc's Story: Metastatic Brain Tumors

First there were headaches. Bad ones. Migraines, probably. Then, one day in mid-May, 2010, his knee, foot and arm went numb on his left side. Darrell “Doc” Rodgers, the 700WLW radio personality, feared he was having a stroke.

Jerry’s Story: Spinal Tumor

On an ordinary day in February 2009, John M. Tew, MD, got one of the true surprises of his career. He was seeing patients in his Mayfield Clinic office on the University of Cincinnati medical campus when an unexpected guest arrived. Jerry, a retired law enforcement officer from rural Kentucky, walked into Dr. Tew’s office to say thank you.

Joe’s Story: Oligodendroglioma

Joe calls it a miracle and a gift from “a higher power.” Others might call it a fortuitous turn of fate. Either way, Joe’s experience embodies a reversal of fortune that is both wonderful and startling. Once a man with a brain tumor and little hope, Joe is today cancer-free and buoyed by a favorable prognosis.

John’s Story: Gliobastoma

John, a retired painter and carpenter, is a tall, solidly built man with a strong inclination toward getting things done. A former Vista volunteer who was equally comfortable running a food co-op in an underserved neighborhood or standing near the top of a tall ladder, he is a natural at lending a hand to people who can’t quite make it on their own.

Kevin's Story: Acoustic Neuroma

Kevin was in his mid-40s when he began to notice that he wasn’t hearing quite as well as in the past. But the change was gradual, so he didn’t worry about it. A few years went by, and the hearing loss became more noticeable. "I started having problems hearing on the phone," he recalled. "Words were sometimes distorted. It was very weird."

Sandra’s Story Glioma

Sandra (Sandy) is a smiling, breathing reminder that hope exists for patients with even the most challenging type of brain tumors.

Nine years ago, when Sandy was first told that she had six months to live, she stared back blankly at her doctor. “Who are they talking about?” she remembers thinking. “That isn’t me. I’m not going anywhere. I was determined to live.”