Brain Tumor Program

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Program provides advanced treatment for brain and spinal cord tumors in a supportive environment. Our goal is to cure as many patients as possible, while providing all patients with the best possible care and quality of life.

In our program, a broad team of specialists coordinate care for every child. Many different types of doctors, including pediatric neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation medicine doctors and radiation oncologists work together to make a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Our team also includes psychologists, neuro-psychologists, social workers, child life specialists and a school liaison specialist who can help families navigate the challenges of treatment while caring for your child's emotional and psychological health. We work closely with local and national organizations, support groups and community resources for children and their families.

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons are supported by advanced technologies that allow us to remove or destroy tumor tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. For instance, using MRI scanning during surgery helps our surgeons safely remove as much of the tumor as possible. We are also one of only a few centers in California that offer a highly targeted form of radiation therapy using the Gamma Knife and CyberKnife.

We belong to several national research consortiums that are working to discover better and safer treatments for brain and spinal tumors in children. Many of our patients have the option of joining a clinical trial to access experimental therapies.