Pediatric Brain Tumor Program

Akron Children’s offers the most advanced diagnostics and treatment for all types of brain and spinal cord tumors in infants, children and teens. Our team includes pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neuro-oncologists, pediatric neuro-radiologists and neuro-pathologists.

This team is specially trained in diagnosing brain and spinal cord tumors using neuro MRI and CT scans, as well as functional MRI, a non-invasive technique for measuring and mapping brain function. Our pediatric neuro-oncologists have completed specialty training in pediatric oncology and CNS tumor specific training.

Together, we develop individualized treatment plans to meet each child's unique medical and support needs. Your interdisciplinary team may also neurology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, physical and rehabilitation medicine, neuropsychology, ophthalmology and palliative care. These skilled professionals address the short- and long-term effects of central nervous system tumors and their treatment. 

Treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. We also offer personalized therapies for certain brain tumors through our Shannon E. Wilkes Targeted Therapy Program. This form of medicine uses information about a patient's genes and proteins to identify drugs or other treatments that block the growth and spread of cancer.

We actively participate in national clinical trials for childhood cancer and blood disorders. We also explore the causes and treatment of these diseases through our basic science research program.

As a member of Children’s Oncology Group (COG), we participate in the development of National Cancer Institute-approved treatment protocols and offer the most up-to-date cancer therapies. Our program is one of only about a dozen pediatric cancer programs in the country verified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Comprehensive Brain Tumor Survivor Clinic

We recognize that follow up does not end with your last treatment.  We have a dedicated comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team that follows our patients after therapy to monitor for any potential late effects.  Late effects can be caused by the cancer or cancer treatment, and may lead to chronic health problems, intellectual and social difficulties, fertility issues, psychological and social difficulties, and other concerns.  Therefore our team includes members from multiple specialties including neurology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, physiatry, neuro-psychology and school intervention to help address the many potential side effects of therapy. 

Our team works together to evaluate for late effects specific to brain tumor patients and recognize these late effects early to intervene.  We work closely with our oncology survivorship team and follow the Children’s Oncology group survivorship guidelines for evaluations.