Neurofibromatosis (NF) and Neuro-Oncology (Brain Tumors)

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children, occurring in nearly 2,500 new patients every year. They are also the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The Neuro-Oncology Program at Children’s National Hospital is a world leader in childhood brain tumor research and treatment.

In partnership with the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, the Neuro-Oncology Program’s highly skilled, multidisciplinary team includes experts in pediatric neuro-oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology, and neuroradiology and neuropsychology.

The team conducts cutting-edge laboratory and clinical research as well as providing state-of-the-art clinical care, including the most advanced treatments for childhood brain tumors. Team members also play a lead role in the two largest national pediatric oncology groups, the Children’s Oncology Group and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium. Children’s National provides the region’s only exclusive access to phase I clinical trials from both of these groups. The Pediatric Brian Tumor Consortium is comprised of eight leading institutions in the United States investigating innovative therapies for children with brain tumors. The team also pioneers new treatment strategies with institutional protocols and pharmaceutical industry sponsored trials.

The Neuro-Oncology Program actively researches:

• Genetic causes of brain tumors
• Brain tumor biology
• Brain tumor immunology
• Neurofibromatosis
• Tumorigenesis
• Pathophysiology
• Development of new targeted treatments