Does Dr. Luerssen study brain tumors?

Yes, he specifically focuses on high-grade astrocytoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor in children.

What treatments has Dr. Luerssen researched?

He has researched high-dose chemotherapy and its effects when used before radiation therapy.

Is Dr. Luerssen's work relevant to my child's treatment options?

Yes, his research provides important insights into the effectiveness and safety of treatments for aggressive pediatric brain tumors.

THOMAS G. LUERSSEN, M.D.

HOUSTON, TX

Research Active

Neurological Surgery NPI registered 21+ years 1 publication 2005 – 2005 NPI: 1245233808

Neurological Surgery

Prognosis Risk Assessment Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols Neoplasm Staging Disease-Free Survival Combined Modality Therapy Neoadjuvant Therapy Glioblastoma Reference Values Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Drug Administration Schedule Brain Stem Neoplasms Spinal Cord Neoplasms Probability Radiotherapy, High-Energy

Practice Location

6621 FANNIN ST
HOUSTON, TX 77030-2303

Phone: (832) 822-3950

What does THOMAS LUERSSEN research?

Dr. Luerssen studies the impact of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation on children suffering from high-grade astrocytoma, a serious type of brain tumor. His research involves evaluating how well these treatments work and the side effects they might cause. By analyzing patient outcomes from clinical trials, he aims to provide better treatment options and clearer information to families facing these challenging diagnoses.

Key findings

In a study involving 102 children, only 24% survived five years after receiving high-dose chemotherapy.
30 patients relapsed during treatment, indicating challenges in effectiveness.
11 patients discontinued treatment due to severe side effects, demonstrating the treatment's risks.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Luerssen study brain tumors?: Yes, he specifically focuses on high-grade astrocytoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor in children.
What treatments has Dr. Luerssen researched?: He has researched high-dose chemotherapy and its effects when used before radiation therapy.
Is Dr. Luerssen's work relevant to my child's treatment options?: Yes, his research provides important insights into the effectiveness and safety of treatments for aggressive pediatric brain tumors.

Publications in plain English

Phase II study of high-dose chemotherapy before radiation in children with newly diagnosed high-grade astrocytoma: final analysis of Children's Cancer Group Study 9933.

2005

Cancer

MacDonald TJ, Arenson EB, Ater J, Sposto R, Bevan HE +15 more

Plain English
This study looked at how effective high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) is for children with a serious brain tumor called high-grade astrocytoma. Researchers followed 102 children, but 76 were fully evaluated. They found that only 24% survived for five years, and the different drug combinations used did not significantly improve outcomes compared to traditional treatments. Since serious side effects were common and many children couldn't complete the treatment, the authors concluded that HDCT doesn't provide extra benefits over standard care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of children diagnosed with high-grade astrocytoma by providing clearer treatment expectations.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Tobey J MacDonald Edward B Arenson Joann Ater Richard Sposto Herbert E Bevan Janet Bruner Melvin Deutsch Elizabeth Kurczynski Patricia McGuire-Cullen Richard O'Brien

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.