Hematology-Oncology

Services
Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic provides a comprehensive range of services for children diagnosed with brain cancer. We are committed to the development and implementation of a personalized treatment plan that encompasses the latest treatments available in surgical oncology, radiation oncology and chemotherapy to ensure the best possible outcome.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic is a team of experts who are internationally recognized leaders for the care of children with brain and spinal cord tumors. The team provides:

• Coordinated personalized multidisciplinary evaluation, treatment, and care of children with tumors of the brain and spinal cord
• Initial evaluation by the doctor, which includes a careful health history, a physical examination, blood tests, x-rays, scans and other tests depending on the location and the type of cancer
• The team meets weekly to discuss every active patient, shape the treatment plan, discuss ongoing patient issues, and provide second opinions
• The children and families are then seen in the multidisciplinary Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic, making it convenient for the child and family to see the specialty providers at the same time, in the same place.
• This visit may also include the one-on-one support from members of our social work and psychiatry staff. Education about treatment, side effects and long tem issues are also provided in the clinic as well as a referral to additional resources found within the Cancer Center.
• Additional Resources

Second Opinion--Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic

• Second opinions are obtained by sending information for review to the weekly conference. This can be followed up by a visit to the clinic to discuss the findings or by phone.
• To obtain a second opinion or consultation by our multidisciplinary team please call:
  Anne Brogan at 617-724-1836

Advanced Treatments
Children with brain tumors are offered state-of-the-art treatment with the latest technologies available. These include:

• Advanced neurosurgical techniques such as intraoperative MRIs that provide diagnostic scans during surgery which aids in a more successful removal of the tumor
• Computer-assisted surgery
• Unique chemotherapy
• State-of-the-art radiation treatments including proton beam radiation at the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center

Clinical Trials and Research
As part of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, a group of institutions that develops and evaluates promising innovative treatments for children, and a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, the primary North American cooperative group for clinical trials for children with cancer, MassGeneral CancerCare for Children can offer pediatric patients the latest in clinical trials for various types of cancers. Find A Pediatric Clinical Trial

Support & Coping
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it has a significant impact not only on the child, but parents, siblings and extended family as well. Our program practices family-centered care. Parents and family members are an integral part of the treatment team and are encouraged to be involved as much as possible.

To find about the support and education programs for children and families such as:

• Educational series on "Children and Cancer: A Program for Families"
• Back Pack program, My Story in Beads and other pediatric support programs, please see the Parent and Family Support.

To Learn About Helping Kids Cope with Cancer, please see the Cancer Resource Room.