CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthony Asher, MD, FACS, of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates in Charlotte, NC, has co-authored the first evidence-based, multidisciplinary treatment guidelines for brain metastases patients. These guidelines were recently presented at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2009 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, and were developed over the last year by a 20-member panel from various medical specialties. Members of the panel analyzed 25,000 brain tumor studies and then utilized 400 of them to make their final guideline decisions. The new guidelines will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Neuro-Oncology in December.

"This important document defines the current scientifically-based standard of treatment for patients with the most common form of brain tumor, and also serves as a tool to advance care by helping generate the next generation of clinical trials," said Dr. Asher. "Thousands of patients are afflicted with this disorder each year in the Charlotte area alone. Along with our oncology colleagues, we are steadily improving care for these patients and allowing them to enjoy a greater quality of life following the diagnosis of metastatic brain cancer."

"These guidelines clearly point to the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of metastatic brain disease," said Renee P. Kelly, RN BSN, who recently joined Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates as the region's first Brain Tumor Navigator. This position involves data collection, communication, education, and care for brain tumor patients and their families.

Dr. Asher is a recent Past-President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and is current Director of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Programs at Carolinas Medical Center and Presbyterian Hospital. Since 1940, Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates has provided comprehensive neurosurgical options to patients in this area and across the nation. The practice has five regional offices in Rock Hill, Charlotte, Ballantyne, Huntersville, and Concord. With 25 physicians, 18 midlevel providers, 10 licensed physical therapists, and more than 200 employees, it is one of the largest and oldest neurosurgical practices in the country. To learn more about Dr. Asher or the practice, go to www.cnsa.com or call 800-344-6716.

SOURCE Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates