Pediatric Brain Tumor Program

Specialized care

We offer the most advanced diagnostics and treatment for all types of brain and spinal cord tumors in infants, children and teens. Our neuroradiology team is specially trained in diagnosing brain and spinal cord tumors using neuro MRI and CT scans, as well as functional MRI, a non-invasive technique for measuring and mapping brain function.

Treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

We also offer personalized therapies for certain brain tumors through our Shannon E. Wilkes Targeted Therapy Program. This form of medicine uses information about a patient's genes and proteins to identify drugs or other treatments that block the growth and spread of cancer.

A team approach

We develop individualized treatment plans to meet each child's unique medical and support needs. We also bring together a variety of disciplines − such as neurology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, physical and rehabilitation medicine, neuropsychology, ophthalmology and palliative care − to address the short- and long-term effects of central nervous system tumors and their treatment. 

These may include:

• Delayed or early puberty
• Diabetes
• Emotional difficulties
• Growth delays
• Learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• Speech, vision and hearing difficulties

Advancing cures

Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children (after leukemia). They account for about 1 out of 4 childhood cancers. 

We actively participate in national clinical trials for childhood cancer and blood disorders, and explore the causes and treatment of these diseases through our basic science research program.

As a member of Children’s Oncology Group (COG), we participate in the development of National Cancer Institute-approved treatment protocols and offer the most up-to-date cancer therapies. Our program is one of only about a dozen pediatric cancer programs in the country verified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.