Neuro-Oncology Program

Our Neuro-Oncology program cares for children with the full spectrum of brain and spinal cord tumors, from common diagnoses to rare and complex conditions few centers see regularly. Whatever the diagnosis, your child is cared for by specialists who understand the nuances of their specific condition.

We treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Low-Grade Gliomas and Glioneuronal Tumors

Low-grade gliomas and glioneuronal tumors are a group of brain and spinal cord tumors that typically grow slowly. Many children with these tumors do very well with treatment and ongoing monitoring. These types of tumors are among the most common central nervous system tumors diagnosed in children.

We treat:

  • Pilocytic astrocytoma
  • Pilomyxoid astrocytoma
  • Diffuse low-grade glioma
  • Optic pathway glioma
  • Ganglioglioma
  • Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)
  • Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET)
  • Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA)
  • Polymorphous Low-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumor of the Young (PLNTY)
  • Other low-grade tumors

High-Grade Gliomas

High-grade gliomas are fast-growing tumors that require specialized care. Treatment typically includes some combination of surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. Our team works quickly to develop a treatment plan and provide the support your family needs.

Diffuse Midline Gliomas (DMG) /
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are tumors that develop in the middle of the brain or spinal cord. Because these tumors affect critical areas of the nervous system, they require highly specialized evaluation and treatment.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a type of DMG that forms in the brainstem. This area controls many vital body functions.

Embryonal Tumors

Embryonal tumors are fast-growing tumors that develop from immature cells in the brain or spinal cord. Embryonal tumors grow more quickly than low-grade tumors. Because they can spread into nearby tissue, they often require prompt evaluation and specialized treatment.

We treat:

  • Medulloblastoma
  • ATRT
  • ETMR
  • Pineoblastoma
  • Other

Ependymoma

Ependymomas are tumors that develop from cells that line the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain and spinal cord.

 

Germ cell tumors

Germ cell tumors develop from cells that were originally supposed to become sperm or egg cells. In some cases, these cells can form tumors in the brain or spinal cord.

We treat:

  • Germinoma
  • Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Tumor

Craniopharyngioma

A craniopharyngioma is a tumor that develops near the pituitary gland and other important structures at the base of the brain. Although it is usually not cancerous, this type of tumor can affect growth, hormone function and vision.

Pineal Tumors

Pineal tumors are tumors that develop in or near the pineal gland, a small structure located deep within the brain. Several different types of tumors can occur in this area.

Skull Base Tumors

Skull base tumors develop at the base of the skull, near the brain and spinal cord. They can affect nearby nerves, blood vessels and other important structures.

Choroid Plexus Tumors

Choroid plexus tumors develop in the tissue that produces cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are most often diagnosed in infants and young children.

Meningiomas

Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most grow slowly, although some can be more aggressive.

Neurofibromatosis
(NF1, NF2, Schwannomatosis)

Neurofibromatosis is a group of genetic conditions that causes tumors to grow along nerves throughout the body. Different types of neurofibromatosis affect children in different ways.

Our Neurofibromatosis Program provides comprehensive care for children with neurofibromatosis (NF), including NF1, NF2, Schwannomatosis and other related conditions. Our team works together to coordinate your child’s evaluation, genetic testing, treatment and long-term monitoring.

We treat:

  • Plexiform neurofibroma
  • Schwannoma

Spinal Cord Tumors

Spinal cord tumors are growths that develop within or around the spinal cord. Depending on their location, spinal cord tumors can affect movement, sensation and other body functions.

Other Rare Tumors

Some brain and spinal cord tumors are extremely uncommon and do not fit into more common tumor categories. These rare tumors often require specialized evaluation and treatment.

We treat:

  • CNS sarcomas
  • BCOR altered tumors
  • Astroblastoma (MN-1 altered tumors)
  • Unclassifiable tumors