Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program | Rady Children's Health

Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program Overview

Rady Children’s Multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology Program is the only program in the San Diego region providing comprehensive care to children and young adults with brain and spinal cord tumors. We provide patient care for nearly 800 children with newly diagnosed or previously treated central nervous system tumors and are one of the largest programs in the United States.

The heart of our program lies in providing not only medical expertise but also compassionate support to families navigating the complexities of a Neuro-Oncology diagnosis.

What Specialists Are Involved in a Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program?

Our expert multidisciplinary team includes physicians from Hematology-Oncology, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Radiology, Endocrinology/Diabetes, Rehabilitation Medicine, Ophthalmology, and Pathology.

State-of-the-art treatment is provided for both newly diagnosed and recurrent brain and spinal cord tumors. Advanced neurosurgery procedures, targeted radiation oncology and the latest biologic therapies are available to our patients through our alliance with the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and research collaborations with the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and The Scripps Research Institute.

Proton Therapy for Brain and Spine Tumors

Video thumbnail of Juliana Abraham, a 12-year-old brain tumor survivor, smiling after successful proton therapy treatment at Rady Children's Hospital.

At age 12, Juliana Abraham was was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Thanks to proton therapy, the tumor is now gone. Inspired by her journey, Juliana has a new dream. Watch her inspiring story.

Proton therapy for brain and spine tumors is available for potential patients at the California Protons Cancer Therapy Center.

Rady Children’s Hospital operates the only pencil-beam scanning proton beam in California and is the highest-volume pediatric radiation treatment center in the state. Patients who reside in San Diego and those referred from out of the area will be followed by our Neuro-Oncology team of health professionals during their treatment.

Genomic Medicine

Besides helping with brain and spinal cord tumors, our Neuro-Oncology Program has also partnered with Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine to assist in both the diagnosis and management of children with central nervous system tumors. This involves health professionals using the Institute’s rapid whole genome sequencing platform and other molecular profiling technologies to detect novel mutations and pathways involved in tumor growth. Through a multidisciplinary Molecular Tumor Board, patients who meet various criteria to get treatment for brain and spinal cord tumors are recommended for advanced molecular testing.

Research and Clinical Trials

Through our alliance with the UC San Diego Moores Cancer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and participation in collaborative clinical trials groups, we have an active Neuro-Oncology research program to discover better treatment options for brain and spinal cord tumors and ultimately, find cures. Click here for our active clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Neuro-Oncology

What is pediatric neuro-oncology, and what conditions does it treat?
Pediatric neuro-oncology focuses on diagnosing and treating childhood brain tumors and spinal cord tumors. The pediatric neuro-oncology program at Rady Children’s Hospital provides expert brain tumor care for conditions such as embryonal tumors, gliomas, ependymomas, and other CNS tumors. The hospital’s pediatric brain tumor program is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge treatments while supporting each pediatric patient and their family.

How is a pediatric brain tumor diagnosed and treated at Rady Children’s?
At Rady Children’s Hospital, the diagnosis of a pediatric brain tumor typically involves advanced imaging (MRI or CT scans), followed by a biopsy if necessary. The hospital’s brain tumor program tailors treatment plans to each child, which may include:

Surgery performed by expert pediatric neurosurgeons to remove or reduce the tumor.
Radiation oncology using advanced techniques to target tumor cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy and targeted therapy to stop tumor growth.
Participation in clinical trials through organizations like the Children’s Oncology Group and Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium to offer the latest therapies.

What are the common treatments for pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors at Rady Children’s?
The pediatric neuro-oncology program at Rady Children’s Hospital provides a range of treatments for childhood brain tumors and spinal tumors, including:

Surgery – Performed by highly specialized pediatric neurosurgeons to remove tumors safely.
Radiation therapy – Delivered by experienced radiation oncologists using the latest technology.
Chemotherapy – Designed to shrink or eliminate tumors using powerful medications.
Targeted therapy & immunotherapy – Personalized treatments that focus on specific tumor types.
Clinical trials & innovative research – Through partnerships with the Children’s Oncology Group and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, Rady Children’s offers access to groundbreaking therapies.

What research and advancements are available at Rady Children’s for pediatric brain tumors?
The pediatric brain tumor research team at Rady Children’s Hospital is actively involved in developing safer and more effective treatments. As part of the Children’s Oncology Group and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, the hospital participates in clinical trials exploring new therapies such as:

Precision medicine approaches targeting specific genetic mutations in childhood CNS tumors.
Immunotherapy to enhance the body’s ability to fight brain cancer.
Advanced imaging and surgical techniques to improve tumor removal and reduce side effects.

How can families find support when a child is diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor?
Rady Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive support system for families navigating a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis. The hospital’s pediatric brain tumor clinic provides access to:

Child life specialists to help children cope with hospital stays and treatments.
Social workers and family support programs.
Educational resources to help parents understand treatment options.
Long-term survivorship programs for children recovering from childhood brain tumors.

See more frequently asked questions about brain and spinal cord tumors.