Brain Tumor Program
The Texas Children’s Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program is one of the largest of its type in the country, and entirely focused on children and adolescents. Brain tumors are the most common type of solid tumors in children, but that doesn’t make it any easier when this diagnosis is first made. Fortunately, the Brain Tumor Program at Texas Children’s Cancer Center is here to help.
- Established in 1993, the Brain Tumor Program at Texas Children’s Cancer Center is one of the largest of its type in the country, and entirely focused on children and adolescents.
- Our Brain Tumor program treats patients from all over the world, many of whom can’t be treated anywhere else.
- We are one of only 10 Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium sites.
- The Texas Children's Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine – one of the top medical schools in the country.
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center is a member of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and a founding member of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC).
- We have access to the COG and PBTC protocols. We are a member of the COG Phase I Consortium and as such have access to innovative experimental protocols.
- Our Brain Tumor Program has one of the best New Drug Development Program in the country with knowledge of and access to innovative therapies.
- Our Cancer Genetics Program specialists investigate any hereditary causes for the development of cancer and counsels families accordingly.
- The Brain Tumor Program is seamlessly joined with our Long Term Survivor Program, which is staffed by experienced physicians who continue to monitor children treated for a brain tumor long after the treatments were completed.
- Dedicated social workers are available to provide emotional support to families as their child undergoes treatment. In addition, social workers can assist families in locating community resources and address concerns that may arise for families including financial issues, transportation, lodging, and educational needs. The Ronald McDonald House and several hotels with reduced medical rates are available nearby the medical center and offer free shuttle service to the hospital.
The Texas Children’s Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program provides cutting-edge treatment for children with all types and stages of brain tumors. The Brain Tumor Program develops and participates in national and international research studies and clinical trials, allowing us to treat our patients with the most currently available therapies. Our pediatric neurosurgeons and oncologists represent some of the top experts in clinical care and research.
Investigators in the Texas Children’s Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program are leaders in the development of new drugs, in sophisticated radiotherapy approaches, and in the application of other novel approaches to brain tumor therapy. We use the most modern diagnostic neuro-imaging modalities and innovative technologies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. We also use state-of-the-art microscopes and technology to pinpoint patient tumors.
The Texas Children’s Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program offers comprehensive support services for the entire family because we believe that caring for the psychosocial and emotional needs of a patient and family are just as important as the medical care they receive. These services include patient, parent and sibling support groups, psychosocial and pastoral support, and access to teen retreats, recreational camps and education/learning support programs.
Many physicians contribute to the care of a child with a brain tumor at Texas Children's Cancer Center. The neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists neuropathologists and neurologists work closely to provide the care that is considered most appropriate for a particular child. Every child with a new diagnosis is discussed at a conference with all of the above physicians present. The nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and others work with the physicians as a team so that all aspects of care for a particular child and the family are addressed. Efficiency and excellence are not compromised while maintaining a child-friendly atmosphere.