Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program
Our pediatric neuro-oncology treatment group of eight full-time, dedicated neuro-oncologists is one of the largest such groups dedicated to treating pediatric brain tumors, neurofibromatosis, and associated tumors.
We are internationally recognized for having the highest quality neurosurgery, neuro-imaging and neuro-pathology support. In addition, our highly integrated lab program helps us to identify the early biological characteristics of astrocytomas and primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors to guide treatment and establish prognosis. We see about 200 new patients a year.
Also, the addition of proton therapy at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center allows us to offer the latest pediatric brain tumor treatments to our patients.
Every child we treat in the pediatric neuro-oncology program also benefits from rehab in our integrated rehabilitation facility. Physical and occupational therapists are part of our interdisciplinary team and are able to initiate therapy as early as possible during treatment to give patients optimal benefits.
Our treatment approach
Our team of eight full-time pediatric neuro-oncologists collaborates with neurosurgeons, radiologists and pathologists, all of whom are involved in each patient's diagnosis and treatment planning at the earliest stages. Our team also includes oncology nurse practitioners, social workers, a psychologist, and rehabilitation therapists. We meet three times a week to discuss the progress of each patient and to gain insights from all of the specialists involved in the patient's treatment.
Surgery for Pediatric Brain Tumors
When operating on a brain tumor, the goal of CHOP’s neurosurgery team is to be aggressive in removing as much of the cancer as possible, while being careful not to damage delicate structures in the brain. Learn more about surgery for brain tumors in the video below.
VIDEO APPEARS HERE
In the pediatric neuro-oncology treatment setting, each patient sees one assigned attending physician. This allows the physician to gain a deep understanding of the patient's unique needs and the patient to enjoy continuity of care by one physician.
Our pediatric neuro-oncology research
Our program has an extensive laboratory and clinical research program designed to identify new therapies for medulloblastoma, gliomas and infant brain tumors. As part of the Children's Oncology Group and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, we develop and conduct our own institutional clinical trials and participate in cooperative group clinical trials.
Some current areas of research focus for our group include:
- Defining the genetic landscape of medulloblastoma
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Identifying mechanisms by which BRAF gene activation leads to development of pediatric astrocytomas
Diagnostic testing
Our pediatric neuro-oncology diagnostic facilities provide magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography. Additional diagnostic and support services include neuropsychology, physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine, social services and home health care.
Future directions
Our future research focus for pediatric neuro-oncology will be personalized medicine. By performing a genomic analysis of every brain tumor, we will be able to identify new treatment-relevant pathways for identifying biological factors that predict which patients require intensive versus less intense therapy.
See all clinical trials available at the Cancer Center.
Appointments
To make an appointment or to request a second opinion consultation at the Cancer Center, please call 267-426-0762.
Contact Us
- 215-590-1720
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