System of Care

Neuro Oncology (Brain Tumors)

CU Neurosurgery, in conjunction with University of Colorado Hospital and the School of Medicine, offers a nationally recognized multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of neurosurgical oncological issues (brain tumors). Under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Lillehei, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, the program has flourished. A referral to the Neurosurgical Oncology Center of Excellence will ensure that you and your referring physician will receive options and answers to the questions presented.

On the Children’s side of the street, CU Neurosurgery offers the only comprehensive pediatric neurosurgical care in a 6 state region. Our pediatric neurosurgeons at The Children’s Hospital work collaboratively with the other physicians to provide the most advanced care for your child in a unique children's setting.

CU Neurosurgery offers:

Adult Brain Tumor Surgery Program
Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery program
Radiosurgery Program (A Minimally invasive procedure)

GammaKnife
Novalis Brain Lab

Clinical Neuro-Oncology Program
Clinical Trials

As an academic medical center, our mission is to not only provide excellent patient care, but to define the best practice. Our consultation model translates to collaborative research and clinical trials that define excellence. In the area of oncology, we collaborate extensively with the University of Colorado Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive facility.

The Neuro-Oncological Surgical Team

The Neurosurgical Oncological Team is anchored by Dr. Kevin O. Lillihei, Chair of the Department and Chief of the Division of Neurosurgical Oncology. Referrals to this team come from a variety of sources, but mostly from other physicians. Drs. Breeze, Brega, Kindt , Ojemann and Witt all participate in the adult neurosurgical oncology program. On the pediatric side, Dr. Handler is the primary lead with participation with Drs. Winston, Wilkinson and McNatt

The Neuro-Oncology Multi-Disciplinary Team

Oncology has always been a multi-disciplinary endeavor and neuro-oncology is no exception. The surgical team is captained by Dr. Lillehei. Dr. Denise Damek champions the neuro - oncological side from the internal medicine perspective and is the only neurologist in the region specializing in neuro-oncology. Nationally known neuropathologist, Dr. Bette K. Kleinschmidt-Demasters, assists from the clinical identification and research side providing the backbone for treatment.

A successful program cannot function without neuro- radiological evaluation. Drs. Robert Bert and Jody Tanabe spearhead neuro-radiology. Rounding out the program is Radiation Oncology under the leadership of Dr. Laurie Gaspar. Radiosurgery is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure that is used to obliterate a benign or malignant growth.

Each week Brain Tumor conference is conducted. Patient data is presented to this multi-disciplinary treatment team. All avenues for treatment are explored and the best course of treatment is recommended, allowing the patient and family to make the best possible decision with the latest information available.