Dr. Tal Shahar

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Neurosurgeon and Head of the Brain Tumor Unit

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Language proficiency: Hebrew, English

About Dr. Tal Shahar

Dr. Tal Shahar is a neurosurgeon whose main area of practice is brain tumors and complex disorders of the central nervous system. He works with patients diagnosed with primary brain tumors, brain metastases, cavernomas and other conditions requiring neurosurgical evaluation. Each case is considered individually, taking into account the type and location of the lesion, the characteristics of the disease and the patient’s overall medical condition.

Dr. Shahar currently heads the Brain Tumor Unit and the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Service and also directs the Cognitive Neurosurgery Laboratory. His clinical work combines complex brain surgery with modern neurosurgical techniques and research focused on preserving brain function, particularly when operating in anatomically challenging or functionally important areas.

Oncological neurosurgery is a major part of his practice. Dr. Shahar consults and operates on patients with glioblastoma, meningioma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, brain metastases and other tumors affecting the central nervous system. When appropriate for the individual case, surgery may incorporate brain mapping, awake craniotomy, neuronavigation, stereotactic radiosurgery and minimally invasive techniques.

During a consultation, Dr. Shahar also spends time reviewing medical records and explaining the situation to the patient and family. Many patients seek a second opinion after an MRI or CT has already been performed, a diagnosis has been made, or surgery has been recommended but questions remain. In these cases, the imaging and previous medical conclusions can be reviewed again to determine whether surgery is necessary, whether observation may be reasonable, or whether another approach should be considered.

Private Consultation with Dr. Tal Shahar

Patients may seek a consultation after a brain lesion has been identified on MRI or CT, following an established diagnosis, or when a second opinion is needed before surgery or another form of treatment.

During the consultation, Dr. Shahar reviews the available medical records and imaging, assesses the clinical situation and discusses the possible next steps with the patient.

📞 Phone: +972-73-374-6844
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WhatsApp: +972-52-337-3108

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Tal Shahar provides neurosurgical evaluation and surgical care for patients with brain tumors and other complex neurosurgical conditions. Decisions are based on the type and location of the tumor, its biological characteristics, imaging findings and the patient’s overall medical condition.

His main areas of expertise include:

Glioblastoma
Astrocytoma
Oligodendroglioma
Meningioma
Primary brain tumors
Recurrent brain tumors
Brain metastases
Brain metastases from lung cancer
Brain metastases from breast cancer
Brain metastases from melanoma and other malignancies
Tumors located in functionally important areas of the brain
Cerebral cavernomas
Hydrocephalus and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Intracranial hemorrhage
Brain biopsy
Second opinions for brain tumors

Advanced Technologies and Surgical Approaches

When medically appropriate, Dr. Shahar uses advanced technologies to improve surgical precision while reducing unnecessary injury to healthy brain tissue and preserving important neurological functions.

Techniques used in his practice include:

Awake craniotomy
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)
Neuronavigation systems
Intraoperative ultrasound
Advanced robotic systems
Function-preserving neurosurgery
Surgical removal of complex cavernomas
Shunt procedures
Surgical drainage of intracranial hemorrhage
Skull reconstruction

Professional Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Shahar has held senior positions in oncological neurosurgery at major medical centers.

In 2022, he was appointed Head of the Brain Tumor Unit and the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Service within the Department of Neurosurgery at Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Before this appointment, Dr. Shahar headed the oncological neurosurgery service at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. Earlier in his career, he worked as a senior neurosurgeon at Ichilov Medical Center.
Over the years, he has gained extensive experience with complex brain tumors, combining surgery, radiosurgery and technologies designed to preserve brain function whenever possible.

Current Positions

Dr. Tal Shahar currently:

Heads the Brain Tumor Unit and the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Service within the Department of Neurosurgery at Ichilov Medical Center;
Directs the Cognitive Neurosurgery Laboratory;
Works as a senior neurosurgeon, caring for patients with primary brain tumors, brain metastases and complex disorders of the central nervous system.

Education and Professional Training

Dr. Tal Shahar completed his medical education and specialist training in neurosurgery before continuing with advanced professional training at leading medical and research centers abroad. His further training focused on brain tumor surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and advanced neurosurgical technologies.

His professional training includes:

Medical studies;
Internship at Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv;
Residency in neurosurgery at Ichilov Medical Center;
Advanced training in oncological neurosurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA;
Postdoctoral research in brain tissue regeneration and neural stem cells at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Advanced International Training

Dr. Shahar continued his professional training at medical and research centers in several countries. These programs focused on advanced brain surgery, radiosurgery, intraoperative imaging, neuropathology and techniques aimed at preserving brain function during neurosurgical procedures.

His international training includes:

Tractography and white matter pathway mapping — Graz, Austria;
Intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgery — Barcelona, Spain;
Stereotactic radiosurgery — Berlin, Germany;
Neuropathology — MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA;
Neurosurgery — St George’s Hospital, London;
Visiting research at the Neuro-Oncology Laboratory — Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center;
Training in radiology and neurology — St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Research and Academic Activity

Alongside his clinical practice, Dr. Tal Shahar is involved in research in neurosurgery and neuro-oncology. One of the central areas of his work is improving the safety of brain surgery and preserving neurological and cognitive function in patients undergoing surgery for brain tumors.

Particular attention is given to tumors located close to functionally important areas of the brain. In these cases, the challenge is not only to remove as much tumor tissue as safely possible, but also to protect functions such as speech, memory and other cognitive abilities.

His research combines clinical data with advanced brain imaging, intraoperative monitoring, electrophysiology and tools based on artificial intelligence.

Dr. Shahar leads The NeuroCognitive Neurosurgery Group, a multidisciplinary research team that brings together neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, brain researchers, engineers and data scientists. The group collaborates with medical and academic centers in different countries and studies new approaches aimed at improving outcomes for patients with brain tumors.

Scientific Publications

Dr. Shahar has authored dozens of scientific papers in neurosurgery and neuro-oncology published in international medical journals. He also presents his research at professional conferences.

His publications cover topics such as brain tumors, preservation of brain function during surgery, radiosurgery, neuro-oncology and the use of advanced technologies in neurosurgical procedures.

A complete list of his scientific publications is available on PubMed.

Professional Recognition and Awards

Dr. Shahar’s clinical and research work has received professional recognition over the course of his career. He has been included in Forbes’ list of leading physicians and has received awards from international neurosurgical organizations for research, scientific achievements and professional training.

His research has been presented at international conferences and published in professional journals in the fields of neurosurgery and neuro-oncology.

Membership in Professional Associations

Dr. Tal Shahar is a member of professional organizations in the fields of neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and advanced brain surgery.

His participation in professional organizations and international conferences allows for an ongoing exchange of knowledge with colleagues and keeps him closely involved with developments in surgical and radiosurgical approaches to brain disease.

Languages

Dr. Tal Shahar speaks:

Hebrew
English

Looking for an Expert Opinion on a Brain Tumor?

Finding a brain tumor, brain metastasis or another complex intracranial lesion on an MRI can raise many questions. This is especially true when surgery has already been recommended and the patient wants to understand whether it is necessary and whether other options should be considered.

Dr. Tal Shahar provides private consultations for patients with primary and recurrent brain tumors, brain metastases and other complex neurosurgical conditions. During the consultation, MRI and CT findings can be reviewed in detail, a second opinion can be obtained, and questions regarding surgery, biopsy, radiosurgery or another approach can be discussed.

📞 Phone: +972-73-374-6844
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WhatsApp: +972-52-337-3108

Frequently Asked Questions — Dr. Tal Shahar Answers

1. Does every brain tumor require surgery?

No.

I understand that when people hear the words “brain tumor,” surgery is often the first thing that comes to mind. In practice, however, the situation is not always that straightforward.

Some tumors do need to be removed surgically. In other cases, a biopsy may be the appropriate first step. There are also situations where radiation therapy, radiosurgery or systemic treatment may come before surgery.

That is why my first question is always: what exactly are we dealing with? Only after we understand the type of tumor and the clinical situation can we discuss what should come next.

Another important point is that decisions about brain tumor surgery are often multidisciplinary. Complex cases may be reviewed by neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists and pathologists.

The goal is not to operate simply because a tumor is present. We need to choose an approach that fits the individual clinical situation while giving careful consideration to neurological function and the patient’s quality of life.

2. What is the difference between a brain biopsy and tumor removal?

They serve different purposes.

A biopsy is performed to obtain tissue so that we can establish an accurate diagnosis and determine what type of tumor we are dealing with. When a tumor is surgically removed, the aim is broader: tissue is obtained for diagnosis while part or all of the tumor is removed when this can be done safely and is clinically appropriate.

From a patient’s perspective, the difference between the two procedures is sometimes smaller than expected. Both are performed in an operating room and require appropriate preparation. After tumor removal, however, longer observation may sometimes be necessary, including monitoring in an intensive care setting, depending on the extent of surgery and the patient’s condition.

In some cases, we can establish the diagnosis and remove a substantial part of the tumor during the same operation. In others, the location or size of the lesion, its suspected biological characteristics or the patient’s medical condition may make biopsy the more appropriate first step.

This is also why MRI alone does not always provide all the information needed to determine the next steps. Pathological and, when relevant, molecular analysis of the tumor tissue can provide information that is important for further decision-making.

3. What is awake brain surgery, and when is it used?

The name itself can sound frightening to patients.

In practice, an awake craniotomy is an important technique when a tumor is located close to areas responsible for speech, movement or other essential functions.

The purpose is not simply to “keep the patient awake.” During certain stages of the operation, we can test specific brain functions and receive direct feedback from the patient. This helps us identify safer surgical boundaries and preserve neurological function as much as possible.

4. Can brain metastases be treated without surgery?

Sometimes, yes.

For some patients, brain metastases can be managed with stereotactic radiosurgery, focused radiation or modern systemic therapies. In other situations, surgery may be the more appropriate option.

This is why I try to avoid answers such as “always” or “never.” The number of metastases, their size and location, the symptoms they are causing, the patient’s overall condition and the status of the primary cancer can all influence the decision.

5. What is LITT, and when can it be considered?

LITT, or laser interstitial thermal therapy, is a minimally invasive technique that uses laser energy to target tissue inside the brain.

It is not suitable for every brain tumor. In carefully selected cases, however, it may offer an alternative to a more extensive surgical procedure.

When a patient asks me about LITT, I first look beyond the technology itself. I want to understand what type of lesion we are dealing with, where it is located and whether a less invasive procedure can realistically achieve the intended goal.

6. Does glioblastoma always require combined treatment?

In most cases, glioblastoma treatment does not end with surgery.

Surgery is usually one part of a broader treatment process, which may also include radiation therapy and systemic treatment. The exact sequence and combination depend on the characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s medical condition.

Our understanding of the biological and molecular features of these tumors has developed considerably in recent years. This information can also play an important role when planning the next stages of treatment.

7. When should I consider getting a second opinion from a neurosurgeon?

It is a very individual decision, but my view is fairly simple.

When a lesion has been found in the brain and you are facing an important decision – surgery, radiosurgery or another form of treatment – seeking another professional opinion is entirely reasonable.

I often meet patients who have received different recommendations from different specialists. That does not necessarily mean that one doctor is right and another is wrong. In neurosurgery, there are situations where more than one approach can be medically reasonable.

I always tell patients not to be afraid to ask questions or seek another opinion. Sometimes a second opinion confirms the plan that has already been proposed. Sometimes it brings up an option that had not previously been discussed.

What matters to me is that the patient understands why a particular approach is being recommended. When people understand the situation and feel comfortable with the decision they have made, it is often easier to face the next stages of treatment.

8. Can an ordinary headache be a symptom of a brain tumor?

It can, but a headache by itself does not mean that someone has a brain tumor.

In fact, most people with headaches do not have a brain tumor. I would not want patients to associate every headache with cancer.

The situation is different when headaches are accompanied by other neurological symptoms or when MRI or CT imaging has already shown an abnormal finding. In that case, it is important to investigate the cause and look at the complete clinical picture rather than focusing on a single symptom.

9. What is the difference between a primary brain tumor and a brain metastasis?

A primary brain tumor develops from tissue within the brain or related structures.

A brain metastasis is a tumor deposit that has spread to the brain from a cancer that originated elsewhere in the body.

This distinction is very important because it can affect not only the neurosurgical approach but also the broader oncology treatment plan.

10. What happens after surgery to remove a brain tumor?

That depends mainly on the type and location of the tumor, the extent of the surgery and the results of the tissue analysis.

For some patients, follow-up may be all that is needed after surgery. In other cases, radiation therapy, systemic treatment or a combination of treatments may follow.

This is why I prefer not to determine the entire treatment pathway in advance. Surgery gives us additional information, particularly from pathological and, when needed, molecular testing. Once those results are available, we can discuss the next steps on a much more informed basis.

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