Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center - Cleveland Clinic

Letter from the Director
The Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center (BTNC) of Cleveland Clinic was established in 2001, with a novel
organization that has helped propel us to the forefront among the leading brain tumor programs in the nation. We
are serving more patients than ever; expanding our services and improving patient satisfaction; attracting worldclass
physicians and scientists; making giant leaps in research and discovery; and acquiring much-needed funding,
particularly philanthropic support.
In 2008, among the hundreds of clinical studies under way, the BTNC led 26 new clinical studies that were
investigator initiated, in partnership with industry or through consortia. Among these was the first-ever human use
of a minimally invasive laser treatment for glioblastoma – performed as part of a collaborative trial with the Case
Comprehensive Cancer Center and University Hospitals Case Medical Center.
Collaborating with and being in the Taussig Cancer Institute, the largest cancer program in Ohio, the BTNC has
access to the institute’s clinical and research resources as well as the opportunity to interact with other healthcare
professionals who deal with cancer patients daily. Using innovative therapy and a multidisciplinary structure – a
model of organization that continues to attract national and international interest – we provide a team approach to
individualized care. We look forward to improving care as we continue to measure our performance.
Gene H. Barnett, MD, FACS
Director, Brain Tumor and
Neuro-Oncology Center