Pediatric Brain Tumor

Understanding your child's brain tumor

The most effective treatment plan for your child starts with understanding the tumor's exact type and biological features. Our specialists use the most advanced tools to build a detailed diagnosis:

• Imaging. MRI and other scans show the tumor and guide treatment planning.

• Biopsy. When needed, surgeons use imaging guidance to collect tumor tissue through a small opening.

• Neuropathology. Experts examine tumor cells and molecular features to confirm the diagnosis.

• Tumor sequencing. Our state-of-the-art UCSF500 Cancer Gene Panel helps us analyze tumor DNA, enabling us to personalize your child's treatment.

These findings help us clarify complex diagnoses and reveal possible treatment targets. Then your child's team can select the best treatment options.

Specialists in pediatric brain tumor care

Our specialists work together based on the tumor type, treatment plan and your child's needs. They share their findings to coordinate each stage of care, adjusting the plan as your child's needs change.

Your child's care team may include a range of specialists and care providers:

• Pediatric neuro-oncologists oversee diagnosis and treatment for tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord.

• Neurosurgeons, neuropathologists and radiation oncologists plan procedures, analyze tumor tissue and provide precise radiation therapy.

• Neurologists, neuropsychologists and rehabilitation specialists closely monitor brain function, learning, movement and recovery.

• Endocrinologists address hormone changes.

• Psychologists and social workers help your child and family with emotional health and practical needs.

• Nurses, child life specialists and school liaisons prepare your child for care and support daily life.

Advanced pediatric brain tumor treatment

Your child has access to specialized procedures and therapies that are not widely available. When creating a treatment plan, your child's team carefully considers the tumor's biology, location and effects on the developing brain.

Treatment may include:

• Brain tumor surgery. Our pediatric neurosurgeons use the most advanced methods for brain mapping and intraoperative MRI to guide each procedure. These high-precision tools help remove as much tumor as possible while protecting critical brain function.

• Minimally invasive laser treatment. UCSF doctors helped pioneer this approach for pediatric brain tumors. It requires only a tiny opening, which may shorten recovery.

• Highly precise radiation therapy. UCSF is one of the few programs in California offering Gamma Knife and CyberKnife radiosurgery for children. These techniques focus radiation on the tumor while limiting exposure to healthy tissue.

• Medicines tailored to the tumor. We may combine chemotherapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy to treat tumors in different ways.

• Direct treatment delivery. We place medication near the tumor or within spaces in the brain. This approach, available through a clinical trial, may help treatment reach tumors protected by the blood-brain barrier.

Your team involves you in every decision, explaining what each option could achieve and how it may affect your child. We carefully balance tumor control with your child's brain function, development and quality of life.

Life during and after brain tumor treatment

We're here for your child and family through every stage of treatment and recovery. Our specialized services address your child's development, daily life and long-term well-being, including:

• Emotional and practical support. Psychologists, social workers and child life specialists help children and families cope.

• Learning and school. Hospital teachers support schoolwork, while the School Re-Entry Program prepares children to return to school.

• Neuropsychology and rehabilitation. Our specialists assess thinking, learning and movement, then recommend therapies or school accommodations.

• Pain and symptom relief. Palliative care specialists manage discomfort and support your child and family during serious illness.

• Survivorship care. Our Pediatric Survivorship Program supports long-term physical and emotional health after treatment.

• Transition to adult care. Adolescents and young adults get specialized neuro-oncology care as they transition to adult providers.