In animal studies at Baylor College of Medicine, the treatment has eradicated induced brain tumors in animals. The Federal Drug Administration recently granted the Department of Neurosurgery permission to begin human toxicity trials in patients with glioblastoma and other malignant brain tumors. A recent Houston Chronicle article describes the development of gene therapy for brain tumors. Research into the use of gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease as well as following neural trauma is ongoing and shows great promise. M.D. Resection of complex craniofacial and skull-base tumors is performed by a team composed of specialists in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology and plastic surgery.
Aggressive tumors can invade the sinuses, nasal passages, orbits, and skull base.
Surgical resection with wide margins is often the patient's only hope for cure. After surgical resection of the tumor, facial reconstruction may be needed for the optimal cosmetic result. Rebuilding of the support structures of the spine may involve the use of bone grafts, the implantation of metal instrumentation, or both. Richard K. Simpson, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. Spasticity is a complex disorder which may result from stroke, spinal cord lesions, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, cerebral palsy and other neurologic disorders. Spasticity can limit mobility in ambulatory patients, and makes the care of immobile patients far more difficult.