Neuro-Oncology
Vinay Puduvalli, M.D.
Chairman
The Neuro-Oncology department is at the forefront of treating patients with brain tumors, spinal tumors, and neurofibromatosis. Our physicians specialize in providing exceptional treatment for patients facing neurologic complications from cancer or cancer therapies. Renowned for their expertise, our doctors, physician assistants, nurses and administrators are highly regarded by patients who say they are “knowledgeable, compassionate, thorough and dedicated to delivering outstanding care.”
Our team has the experience and skills to care for patients diagnosed with a wide range of of central nervous system tumors, such as gliomas (glioblastoma, multiforme, astrocytoma, brainstem glioma, ependymoma, oligodendroglioma), meningioma, vestibular schwannoma, CNS lymphoma, metastatic disease to the brain and spine, as well as primary spinal cord tumors.
In a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, our physicians work closely with neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists, and neuroradiologists to create individualized and comprehensive treatment plans for patients and to aid patients in enhancing their quality of life.
Additionally, our top-tier physicians specialize in managing genetic disorders, particularly Neurofibromatosis. Their focus in this area involves a dedicated collective, The Neurofibromatosis Working Group, which not only provides excellent care but also translates laboratory advancements into improved treatments, fostering collaboration across Neuro-Oncology, Neurosurgery, and Investigational Cancer Therapeutics.
We cannot afford to get tired in the fight to #EndCancer, and we will not!
Clinical Activities (Fiscal Year 2023)
8,535
Established Outpatients
6,029
Inpatient Services
1,379
New Patients
Spotlight on Neuro-Oncology
Chairman Puduvalli and department faculty members
Dr. Puduvalli and operational leaders, from left: Abey Mathai, Ben Anderson, Chetna Wathoo, Eva Gachimova, and Greg Buchold.
Dr. Puduvalli was presented the SNOLA Recognition Award at the 2024 annual meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Dr. O'Brien was appointed Director of the Brain Metastases and Leptomeningeal Disease Program within the department.
Dr. Carlos Kamiya Matsuoka and APRN Stephanie Knight with their patient Robert Alvarez in the Brain and Spine Center.
A legacy of leadership: Department Chairs from left, Drs. W.K. Alfred Yung, Victor Levin and Vinay Puduvalli.
Department Administrator Ben Anderson and team members attend the Division of Cancer Medicine Safety Culture Survey Luncheon.
Meet one of our patients
Glioblastoma survivor: ‘MD Anderson is a blessing’
When it comes to his glioblastoma diagnosis, Chris Cook is inspired by his faith, his family and his doctors at MD Anderson.
Post-holiday run leads to glioblastoma diagnosis
On Dec. 26, 2022, Chris was relaxing at home in Holland, Michigan. When his then-fiancée, Essie, left for work, Chris went on a six-mile training run with his German Shepherd, Sully.
“Around mile four, I got this metal taste in my mouth. I thought it was because of old cavities,” Chris recalls. “By mile five, I was feeling nauseous. I was starting to see white and felt my body going down.”
Chris awoke to police officers, bystanders and Sully. He was alert but could not speak. Paramedics took him to a hospital where doctors administered tests and a CT scan. “Everything was clear, I was able to speak with the doctors, and the hospital sent me home,” says Chris.
Weeks later, Chris received a letter from the State of Michigan, documenting his case as a “possible seizure.” He would need a doctor’s note clearing him to drive or to wait six months before driving again. Chris’ primary care doctor recommended that he see a neurologist.
“Things got a little more concerning when I saw the neurologist because my non-contrast CT scan showed a mass,” he says. Chris and his family immediately began searching to find the best cancer hospital when they learned he had a brain tumor. “Our research kept showing that MD Anderson was No. 1.”
Putting his trust in his MD Anderson care team
Chris first came to MD Anderson in February 2023. He met with neurosurgeon Sherise Ferguson, M.D., and neuro-oncologist Ashley Aaroe, M.D.
“Dr. Ferguson explained all aspects of the surgery, including risks to mobility connected with operating near the right vessel,” Chris says. “She discussed her plan to get around that vessel and jumped into this whirlwind, literally fighting with me.”
Reflecting on his meeting with Aaroe, Chris says, “I couldn’t have asked for a better head coach in this tough battle. She went above and beyond in answering my questions and in making sure I was able to digest the details about chemotherapy, radiation and medication.”
Leading up to surgery, Chris thought about the meetings with his doctors. “I remember asking Dr. Ferguson, ‘Looking back on your life, is this something you always wanted to do?’ She responded, ‘When I was a little girl, the only other thing I wanted to be was a ninja.’”
Chris’ brain tumor treatment
In February, Dr. Ferguson removed a 1.54-centimeter tumor in Chris’ brain. The operation involved the right middle cerebral artery and lasted more than 9 hours. “My ninja did a great job,” says Chris. “Our lives collided for her to save mine. As a surgeon, she didn’t just become a ninja; she became a samurai. And instead of a sword, she has a scalpel and knows how to operate with the best of them.”
Four weeks after surgery, Chris started 42 days of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation therapy. A month after that, he started interval chemotherapy.
Aaroe manages Chris’ treatment plan. “We have a true partnership,” says Chris. “She keeps expectations real, keeps me centered about the medication I’m taking, and does a great job of coaching me.”
Chris travels to MD Anderson every other month for an MRI and a checkup with Dr. Aaroe’s team. In the non-MRI months, Chris sees doctors in Michigan for blood work and chemotherapy release-to-start sequence. His MD Anderson team collaborates with his local care team as needed.
Thankful for his MD Anderson care team
Chris says he received the same level of exceptional care from other MD Anderson specialists, such as radiation oncologist Subha Perni, M.D., and her team of nurses, as he did from Aaroe and Ferguson.
“It’s humbling how these professionals are so compassionate and genuinely care for me,” says Chris, calling MD Anderson a blessing. “Everyone who is going through cancer hopes that miracles are true. I met an entire team of miracles with my doctors, nurses and dietitians.”
Chris adds that MD Anderson did more than save his life. “The success of my surgery made it possible for me and Essie to get married on Sept. 30, 2023,” he says. “Everyone talks about bucket lists. Mine is all about the people who matter in my life and letting them know how amazing they are to me.”
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
Fellowship Programs
Neuro-Oncology Fellowship
The Neuro-Oncology Fellowship program provides intense, comprehensive training in the management of primary brain tumors and neurological complications of cancer. Our overall goal is to cultivate the careers of young physician-scientists to become leaders in the field of neuro-oncology.
The two-year fellowship program is carefully, but flexibly designed to accommodate the individual needs of candidates aiming at either clinical practice or academic positions upon completion of training.
Neuropsychology Fellowship
The MD Anderson postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology is a structured two-year fellowship which provides competency-based postdoctoral training in clinical neuropsychology appropriate for those seeking to pursue ABPP Board specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology. The Fellowship is accredited by the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN). As a member of APPCN, selection of candidates is conducted through the National Match hosted by NMS.
Related Resources
Contact Us
The Neuro-Oncology academic offices are located in the John Mendelsohn Faculty Center, Floor 7. Get customized directions using our Access system.
Phone: 713-792-2883
Fax: 713-794-4999
For clinical requests, including appointments, questions about your care and prescription refills, please contact the Brain and Spine Center or visit MyChart.
Physical Address:
1400 Holcombe Blvd.
Room FC7.3000, Unit 431
Houston, TX 77030
Mailing Address:
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Neuro-Oncology
P.O. Box 301402
Houston, TX 77230-1402