Zabi Wardak, M.D., Chief of CNS Radiation Oncology Service
Central Nervous System Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8525
Few centers have our breadth of treatment options for patients. A key strength of our group is the ability and expertise desire to individualize treatment strategy to the patient. The CNS team, led by Zabi Wardak, M.D., works alongside neurosurgery specialists in the Annette Simmons Stereotactic Center, as well as radiation oncology physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, and various other dedicated clinical staff.
We offer cutting-edge technology, including the Gamma Knife Icon, for cancer patients with inoperable brain tumors or brain metastases.
Meet Our Team
Xin Cai, M.D., Ph.D.
Tu Dan, M.D.
Michael Dohopolski, M.D.
Meet Dr. Dohopolski
Terri Kelley-Griffis, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-C
Kanchandip Koshy, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-C
Kiran Kumar, M.D., M.B.A.
Matthew Strunk, M.P.A.S., PA-C
Robert Timmerman, M.D., FASTRO, FACR
Program Overview
At UT Southwestern, our CNS team uses a wide range of sophisticated techniques to maximize the likelihood of controlling tumor growth and minimize the risk of injury to normal parts of the brain near the tumor.
Educational Materials
- CNS cancer FAQ (English, Spanish)
- CNS noncancerous FAQ (English, Spanish)
- Brain and CNS - noncancerous (English, Spanish)
- Radiation treatment for brain cancer (English, Spanish)
- Gamma Knife mask simulation (English, Spanish)
- Gamma Knife frame placement (English, Spanish)
- Gamma Knife arteriovenous malformation (English, Spanish)
- Post-stereotactic Gamma Knife radiosurgery discharge instructions (English, Spanish)
CNS Clinical Trials
As one of the top academic medical centers in the country and the only NCI-designated cancer center in North Texas, we lead and participate in a number of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcomes of patients with cancer. Our Department enrolls approximately 200 new patients in clinical trials each year.
Clinical trials are critical in developing new therapies for cancer and can mean having access to new medication, groundbreaking research, and additional clinical care. Our clinical trials team is comprised of radiation oncologists, radiation biologists, clinical research coordinators, quality assurance coordinators, and clinical data specialists.
Therapeutic
Brain Metastases
- Phase I/II Trial to Determine the Neurocognitive Decline in Patients with Multiple (>6) Brain Metastases Treated with Distributed Stereotactic Radiosurgery (STU 122016-064: Neurocog. Decline)
- A Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastasis without Whole Brain Radiation (STU 022015-106: SRS-Dose Escalation)
If you’re interested in a clinical trial, please talk to your doctor.
Learn more about clinical trials.
Helpful Resources
Our patients share their stories and experiences within the Department of Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern.
Radiation therapy can sound frightening, but we’re here to guide patients throughout their journey. From our dedicated team of physicians and therapists to dietitians and social services, we can help with any questions or concerns.
We offer a variety of support services to help those with cancer and their families.