---
title: "Neuro-oncology: Brain and spinal cord services at Sutter Health"
description: "Sutter’s neuro-oncology specialists provide care for brain and spinal cord tumors, using advanced treatments and supportive services tailored to each patient."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neuro-oncology"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) /
3.  Neuro-oncology brain and spinal cord services

# Neuro-oncology: brain and spinal cord

Neuro-oncology specialists combine their expertise in cancer and neurology to provide compassionate, personalized care brain or spinal cord cancer.  

[Find a neuro-oncologist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Cancer+Surgery%22%2C%22Neurosurgery%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Why choose Sutter?

When cancer appears in the brain and spinal cord — the core of your central nervous system — you deserve an experienced medical team at your side. Because of the close collaboration between our neuroscience and cancer teams, we’ve fostered a reputation as a leader in minimally invasive treatments for brain tumors in adults and children. Our laser ablation technique can eliminate problematic brain tissue in seconds, helping you return to your normal activities within a week. We’re proud that our cancer program is named one of the nation’s top Cancer Programs of Excellence by Becker’s Hospital Review.

Our compassionate approach cares for your whole being, not just your disease. From day one, a [Cancer Patient Navigator](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-patient-navigators?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) will support you and your family by coordinating services, providing education and counseling, and offering hope. Additionally, some of our locations offer integrative health options and [support services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-special-services-support) like massage, music, pet therapy and spiritual practices to help manage stress and anxiety.

## By the numbers

### 100+

neurologists

deliver trusted care across prevention, diagnosis and recovery.

### 45+

clinical trials

give patients access to the latest treatments for complex neurologic conditions.

### 40+

neurology studies

bring advancements for complex neurological disorders.

### Top 100

nationwide

for high-quality cancer care and access to innovative clinical trials.

## Need a referral?

Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788).

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Conditions

-   Astrocytoma
-   Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
-   Brain Metastasis
-   Chordoma
-   Ependymoma
-   Glioblastoma Multiforme
-   Glioma
-   Medulloblastomas
-   Oligodendroglioma

## Diagnostics

-   CT scan
-   Diffusion MRI
-   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
-   Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
-   PET scan

## Treatments

-   Biologics
-   Brachytherapy
-   Chemotherapy
-   Corticosteroids
-   Craniotomy
-   External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
-   Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery
-   Image-Guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT)
-   Immunotherapy
-   Laser Ablation
-   [Physical therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy)
-   Precision Medicine
-   Spinal Tumors Surgery
-   Surgical oncology
-   Targeted therapy

## Related services

-   [Cancer case conferences](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-case-conference)
-   [Cancer pain management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-pain-management)
-   [Cancer patient navigators](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-patient-navigators)
-   [Cancer rehabilitation](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-rehabilitation)
-   [Cancer special services and support](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-special-services-support)
-   [Neuroscience](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neuroscience)

## How a clinical trial helped Jack beat the odds

A clinical trial gave Jack new hope after being told there was no cure for his brain tumor and that he only had weeks to live. Six years later, Jack enjoys life with his grandkids thanks to Sutter's breakthrough medicine.

## Awards and accreditations

[View all Awards and accreditations](https://www.sutterhealth.org/about-us/awards?verticalKey=awards&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_awardServices.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Neuro-oncology%3A+Brain+and+spinal+cord%22%5D%7D%5D)

Becker’s Hospital Review

2023

Cancer Programs of Excellence

The Joint Commission

Brain Injury Program Accreditation

American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

Multi-Year Recognition

Cancer Programs Accreditation

Newsweek

2025

America’s Best Cancer Hospitals

[View all Awards and accreditations](https://www.sutterhealth.org/about-us/awards?verticalKey=awards&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_awardServices.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Neuro-oncology%3A+Brain+and+spinal+cord%22%5D%7D%5D)

![scientists-working-in-the-lab](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/medical-doctors/scientists-working-in-the-lab.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=723)

## Brain cancer research

Brain cancer occurs when there is an anormal growth of cells in your brain tissue. Research aims to find better therapies and treatments that stop tumor growth and preserve healthy brain tissue. 

[View clinical trials](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_researchTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Brain+Cancer%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=clinical_trial)

![scientists-working-in-the-lab](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/medical-doctors/scientists-working-in-the-lab.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=723)

![thoughtful-female-cancer-patient](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/women/thoughtful-female-cancer-patient.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724)

## Predict cancer through genetics

If you have cancer or a family history of cancer, consider genetic counseling and testing with trusted professionals at Sutter. 

[Explore genetic counseling](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/genetic-testing-counseling)

## Classes & events

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Cancer%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

-   Support Group
    
    ### [Tools for Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis (Online)- Ridley-Tree Cancer Center- Santa Barbara](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a3ab03e389bfa27eaa3fd46/)
    
    Tuesday, November 10, 2026
    
    This group provides a safe place for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer to share and learn coping skills for the cancer journey.
    
-   Class
    
    ### [The Art of Flower Arranging - Ridley-Tree Cancer Center - Santa Barbara](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6ad694abe038e0cd05fb5b51/)
    
    Thursday, November 12, 2026
    
    Join us for an interactive flower arranging demonstration, and create an arrangement to take home.
    
-   Class
    
    ### [Knitting Together - Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Santa Barbara](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6927769aec5f7dedbaeae9ea/)
    
    Thursday, October 29, 2026
    
    Join our knitting circle and take part in the creative process and enjoy the company of other knitters.
    

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Cancer%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

## Sutter spotlight

Page

### [Get screened for cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/get-screened-for-cancer)

Screenings save lives. Learn when you should get screened for the most common cancers.

Health & wellness

### [Understand Your Cancer Risk](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/understand-your-cancer-risk)

You can take some simple steps to lower your risk.

Page

### [Preventive care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/preventive-care-guidelines)

Stay up to date on your screenings. Find out when check ups, screenings and immunizations are recommended for your age group, then talk with your provider about what’s right for you.  

## Neuroscience meets cancer care

Get neuro-oncology care at Sutter, with coordinated teams delivering personalized treatment for brain and spinal tumors.

[Find a neuro-oncologist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results#facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Cancer+Surgery%22%2C%22Neurosurgery%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

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