The prognosis for children with brain tumors has improved drastically over the last decade, but advances in medicine and research trials that have paved the way for more targeted treatments. The Neuro-Oncology Center at Nicklaus Children’s is comprised of a multidisciplinary team where each specialist applies their expertise in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and customize a treatment plan that works best for each individual patient.
Treatment of Brain Tumors in Children
Treatment of Brain Tumors in Children
Brain cancer is the second most common type of cancer in children accounting for 15% of all pediatric cancer patients. Children are referred to the Brain Institute after a child presents to an urgent care center, emergency room, or primary care provider with concerning symptoms that include:
The symptoms of a brain tumor can vary depending on the type of tumor and its location, therefore, imaging is often required. An accurate diagnosis is one of the most important steps in the management of brain and spinal cord tumor patients. A wide variety of tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Each child’s brain tumor treatment plan is customized in order to fit his/her individual needs. Treatment options can include:
Conditions We Treat
Tumors can lead to other conditions in the brain that need to be addressed by a neurosurgical team. One of the most common conditions is called hydrocephalus.
At baseline, the brain is suspended in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is constantly circulating around the brain and inside the skull. If a tumor gets in the way of that flow, the fluid will back up inside the skull and lead to “hydrocephalus” (“hydro” meaning water and “cephalus” meaning the head). This can be dangerous if left untreated.
Our team is able to address the needs of children with many different types of brain tumors, including:
Clinical Cancer Research
The Neuro-Oncology Center 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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Innovation and Technology
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is home to an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) system which allows the surgeon to take images of the brain during surgery. This enables the team to determine the difference between healthy tissue and abnormal brain tissue in real time during the surgery to allow for more accurate tumor resection.
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.
A Collaboration of Two Great Programs
The Helen & Jacob Shaham 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 pediatric neurosurgery team, treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required.
Our pediatric specialty team includes: