Neuro-oncology Program

Neuro-oncology is a branch of oncology specifically devoted to care for patients with tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Tumors in the central nervous system (CNS, which includes the brain and spine) are among the most common types of cancer in children. Tumors develop when there is an abnormal growth of cells. Anyone can develop a CNS tumor, but children need pediatric specialists because of the types of tumors, how they respond to treatment and the long-term side effects of treatment. 

Types of tumors treated

Below are some of the types of brain tumors we treat:

• Low grade astrocytoma and high grade astrocytoma
• Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT)
• Choroid plexus tumor
• CNS Germ Cell tumor
• Craniopharyngioma
• Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) / Diffuse midline glioma (DMG)
• Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
• Ependymoma
• Medulloblastoma
• Meningioma
• Optic pathway glioma
• Pineal tumor
• High-grade non-medulloblastoma embryonal tumors

Who we see

• New referrals by primary care doctors.

• Second opinions regarding care and
  management of CNS tumors.

• Individuals who have a CNS tumor and
  require observation, surgery, radiation,
  chemotherapy, or a combination of
  these therapies.

• Individuals who have received therapy for a
  CNS tumor and require continued follow up.

Teamwork makes a difference

Children diagnosed with a brain tumor often have complex needs in addition to cancer care. Patients may develop other health problems related to the tumor, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Children's Wisconsin provides families with support from a team of many different specialists to manage these problems.

Our experts understand that a personal touch matters. The team meets weekly to discuss patients' care, creating individual treatment plans to manage all of his or her health care needs. Your child's diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but we'll work with you to decide the best treatment for your child. We take pride in providing state-of-the-art care with a compassionate approach.

Our patients benefit from access to advanced capabilities such as:

• The first-in-the state proton radiation center (to open in Summer 2025)
• New magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) software and techniques for precise surgical planning, navigation and tumor resection
• Advanced neurosurgery capabilities with specialized equipment, including stereotactic surgery and robot-assisted surgery
• Onsite diagnostics, oncology pharmacy and anesthesia services
• Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs
• Gamma Knife technology
• Most advanced chemotherapy as part of national study protocols

• Care for patients with genetic conditions or tumors associated with a genetic condition such as Neurofibromatosis and Tuberous Sclerosis.

• Access to the latest in tissue diagnostic capabilities, including extensive molecular testing of tumors 

Together, our brain and spinal cord program specialists are dedicated to giving patients and families the education, resources and support they need. From neurosurgery to rehabilitation, our doctors, researchers and many other pediatric-trained specialists provide integrated, comprehensive care for children with brain and spinal tumors.

Support for survivors and their families

How will a diagnosis or treatment for childhood cancer or a blood disorder affect your child’s health and well-being in the future? Learn about our survivorship program.

Join the young adult oncology group

Young adults who currently are receiving or have received cancer treatment may need special support. Learn about our young adult oncology group.