Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Treatments for Children

Contact Us
Department Office:
(650) 497-8775

New Patient Coordinator:
(650) 724-5326
Our Pediatric Neurosurgery team uses a number of innovative neurosurgical techniques to treat brain tumors and spinal cord tumors. We work very closely with Pediatric Neuro-Oncology and Radiation Oncology to give children with brain tumors the best possible outcome.
 

Tumor Board

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital neuro-oncology tumor board is a comprehensive pediatric tumor board. We meet weekly to discuss diagnoses and therapies for all brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve tumor patients.
 
The board is a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric specialists from:

Neurosurgery Neuro-Oncology Neuropathology Neuroradiology Radiation oncology

Neuro-ophthalmology Oncology Neurology  Neuropsychology

Isabelle underwent brain surgery to have a medullablastoma tumor removed.

Your child may require an MRI scan and clinical assessment every 2-12 months. The frequency will be determined by the treatment protocol. These MRI images of the brain or spinal cord tumor help our doctors determine the tumor’s current status.  
 
Your child’s case will be reviewed individually to give your child the best chance of cure and to consider the potential long-term side effects of the treatment. Our tumor board will discuss the medical and surgical portion of your child’s treatment and make recommendations for physical therapy; occupational therapy; and social, neuropsychologic, and other services.
 

Surgical Advances Used to Treat Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children

Our Pediatric Neurosurgery team performs the entire spectrum of complex, minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches to treat brain, skull base, spinal cord and peripheral nerve tumors. We use the most advanced technology to make surgery safer for your child. We also use several surgical techniques to remove brain and spinal cord tumors without harming critical tissues.
 

Cyberknife Treatment for Brain Tumors and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children

Cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery uses very accurately targeted doses of radiation to treat tumors and vascular lesions in the brain. It can reduce or halt the growth of small tumors and close down abnormal blood vessels so they can’t grow anymore. This noninvasive “operation” has proven to be an effective alternative or addition to surgery or conventional radiation for many types of tumors.