Central Nervous System Clinical Resource Area

It is estimated that 20,500 children and adults will be diagnosed with primary malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord in 2007. Primary central nervous system (CNS) cancers make up 1.3% of all cancers, and lead to 2.2% of all cancer deaths. CNS tumors do not discriminate based on socio-economic status, gender or ethnicity. There are currently no known causes. Although relatively rare, this diagnosis leads to profound impairments physically and cognitively. Standard treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.