Neuro-Oncology Program

Specialized in the treatment of brain tumors in children

A multidisciplinary team of specialists diagnose and treat all types of tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Our program provides care for more children with pediatric brain tumors than any other facility in Florida.

boy with shaved head smiling at doctor
boy with shaved head smiling at doctor

The prognosis and survival for children with brain tumors has improved significantly in the last decade. It is now possible to successfully treat a majority of children with such tumors. The Neuro-Oncology Program incorporates a multidisciplinary team that contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of all types of benign or malignant brain tumors.

A collaboration between the Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute and the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Brain Institute, the Neuro-Oncology Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive, compassionate diagnosis and treatment of pediatric tumors of the brain and spinal cord. The program is comprised of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team that works collaboratively with families and referring physicians to optimize treatment plans.

 

Treatment of Brain Tumors in Children

Treatment of Brain Tumors in Children

Because treatment of pediatric brain tumors is complex and requires skilled, compassionate care, the Neuro-Oncology Program uses a team approach to evaluate treatment options. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the neuro-oncology team will assess the location and type of tumor to begin the appropriate treatment. We offer personalized molecular genomic testing of tumors and are involved with novel tumor vaccine trials.

 

Conditions We Treat

The clinical team has experience in addressing the care needs of children with virtually any type of brain tumor, including the following:

Clinical Cancer Research

The NeuroOncology Program participates in in clinical cancer research studies focused on finding new cures, treatments and procedures for pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors.

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The Latest Technology

To ensure the best care outcomes, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital houses an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) system. The hospital became the first pediatric facility in Florida to offer this leading-edge equipment. It brings MRI technology – recognized as the “gold standard” in differentiating between healthy and abnormal brain tissue—directly into the surgical suite to enhance surgical effectiveness and safety.

Nicklaus Children’s collaborates with national institutions on tumor biopsies to obtain detailed information at the molecular and pathological levels. The goal is to determine the best course of treatment, tailored to meet the needs of the child’s specific brain tumor and genetic makeup.
 

A Collaboration of Two Great Programs

The Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute works closely with the Nicklaus Children's Brain Institute to provide the highest quality of care for children with brain tumors. Following appropriate surgical treatment by the world-renowned neurosurgery team, treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required.

The specialty team includes:

  • Board-Certified Neurosurgeons
  • Child Life Specialists
  • Endocrinologists
  • Geneticists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Neuro-Oncologists
  • Nurse Navigators
  • Radiation Oncologists
  • Oncologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Psychologists
  • Rehabilitation
  • Social Workers
  • Specialists in Survivorship
featured patient photo.
featured patient photo.

Stories to Inspire

Gabriel struggled with head pain, loss of balance, and more when his parents rushed to Nicklaus Children’s. He was diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid tumor, and immediately underwent treatment. Now, he’s back on the field in more ways than one.

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Awards & Associations