Neuro-Oncology Program

Our team includes national leaders in pediatric cancer care who help bring the latest treatment options to the children and families we serve. We are members of leading pediatric cancer research organizations across the country to help make sure your child has access to the latest clinical trials and emerging therapies close to home. These partnerships include the Children’s Oncology Group – the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to pediatric cancer research – the Collaborative Network for Neuro-oncology Clinical Trials (CONNECT) and the Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators’ Consortium (POETIC).

Children with brain and spinal cord tumors need highly specialized, multidisciplinary care. Upon learning that your child has a brain or spinal cord tumor, you will meet a pediatric neuro-oncologist who leads a team of highly skilled experts who work together to provide care for your child.

Some children need surgery to remove their tumor or take a small sample, called a biopsy, so their doctors can identify the tumor and choose the best treatment. Our experienced pediatric neurosurgeons perform complex procedures using advanced imaging and surgical techniques designed to protect healthy brain and spinal cord tissue. 

In addition to the neuro-oncologists and neurosurgeons, your child’s multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, neuroradiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, rehabilitation specialists and other supportive care providers. Together, we review your child’s health history, imaging and treatment options to create a personalized care plan based on their unique diagnosis and needs.

Through our partnership with Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Scottsdale, children who need radiation therapy have access to highly specialized treatment options, including image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton beam therapy and brachytherapy. Radiation treatment is delivered at Mayo Clinic in close coordination with Phoenix Children’s neuro-oncology and neurosurgery teams.

Phoenix Children’s is one of only two institutions in Arizona that conduct Phase I clinical trials. For children who qualify, these trials may provide access to treatments being studied for childhood brain and spinal cord tumors. We are actively involved in clinical research dedicated to improving outcomes for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. Our participation in a wide range of studies for new and emerging therapies gives your child access to innovative treatment options while helping advance care for future children diagnosed with brain and spinal cord tumors.

We believe families should feel supported, informed and empowered at every stage of their child’s care. Our team explains your child’s condition and walks you through their treatment options so you can be an informed participant in every step of their cancer journey.

Your child’s team includes specialists with extensive experience in a variety of fields, including:

• Child Life specialists: Provide resources to help children cope with hospital procedures and other aspects of their care
• Mental health professionals: Offer emotional support and counseling for patients, parents, and siblings
• Nurse coordinators: Help provide education about your child’s diagnosis, manage appointments and scheduling, answer your questions, and facilitate communication between you and the rest of your child’s care team
• Nurse practitioners/Physician Assistants: Evaluate and treat patients, monitor progress during treatment and partner with the care team to support your child’s ongoing needs 
• Palliative Care specialists: Provide an extra layer of support from the beginning of care, helping manage symptoms and improve comfort and quality of life for your child and family
• Physicians: Lead your child’s treatment plan, oversee medical care and collaborate with experts with a wide range of specialties to provide comprehensive cancer care
• Registered dietitians: Provide nutrition and dietary support during treatment
• Social workers: Assist with identifying resources, school planning and financial concerns

At Phoenix Children’s, your child’s care combines advanced diagnosis and treatment with coordinated support for your whole family.

We offer:

• Team-based, coordinated care: Your child's care team includes experts from a wide range of specialties who work together to guide every step of your child's care. We partner with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your child's diagnosis and unique needs, helping your family feel informed, supported and confident throughout treatment.
• Comprehensive treatment options: We offer several treatment options, including careful monitoring, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your child’s treatment plan is tailored to their diagnosis and needs. Our neurosurgeons treat only children, and we're one of the few centers in the Southwest to offer proton radiation therapy. This innovative treatment helps reduce long-term side effects by limiting radiation to your child’s healthy, developing brain tissue.
• National partnerships: Through our connections with leading pediatric cancer networks, including the Children’s Oncology Group, CONNECT and POETIC, and our partnership with Mayo Clinic, your child has access to advanced therapies and expertise at many other hospitals. Our team also helps lead research to improve care for children with brain and spinal cord tumors.
• Care that puts families first: We take time to explain your child's condition, answer your questions and involve you in every decision. We're here to help your family feel informed, supported and confident every step of the way.
• Expert second opinions: If your child has been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor at an organization other than Phoenix Children’s, our experts can help you explore your options. We’ll work with you to review your child’s health history and provide a second opinion to help you make informed decisions about your child’s care.

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