Brain tumor

My brother just got his results back from the biopsy and his tumor is Astrocytoma Grade 4 (High grade) Glioma.   they are checking him in today and then they are going to tell him all his options.  I am not giving up, we will help him beat this.  Is gamma knife the way to go now, they won't operate because they said it was in the back embedded in the brain -- the tumor is 2 cm by 2 and a half cm -- please help me.  We have ordered mangosteen juice, I heard a lot about that, but I know that might not cure him -- but you never know.  What other options are there that would shrink the tumor -- We live in Canada so am researching which is the best cancer clinic to go and get treatment.  Can you offer me any advice on treatments.

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

Hi, sorry to hear about your brother's recent diagnosis.  I am aware of excellent cancer center in Toronto, not sure where you live.  Gamma Knife is the best method and the treatment may be combined with whole brain radiation.  Have you met with neurosurgery (brain surgeon), please do this even if the case is not surgical at this time.  I am sure you have met with a team of doctors that should include a neurologist, surgeon, oncologist and radiation doctors.  These cases are usually discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board.  I would seek that type of second opinion out right away.

[panello]

M.D. Anderson is the best cancer clinic, see also blog entry at the bottom of the following http://www.acscsn.org/Forum/Discussion/thread/view?msgid=73261&msgrid=1