Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic

Overview

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic at Mass General for Children 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 internationally recognized leaders in the care of children with brain and spinal cord tumors. The team provides coordinated evaluation, treatment and care.

Patients receive 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 type of cancer.

The care 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.

Visits to the clinic may also include the one-on-one support of our social work and psychiatry staff members. 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 Mass General for Children Cancer Center.

Advanced Treatments

We offer children with brain tumors state-of-the-art treatment with the latest technologies available. These include:

• Advanced neurosurgical techniques such as intraoperative MRIs, which provide diagnostic scans during surgery and aid 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

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.