Miami Children's Hospital is proud to be a center of excellence for the care of children with brain tumors in South Florida.
The prognosis and survival for children with
brain tumors has improved significantly in the last decade. It is now possible to successfully treat a majority of children with such tumors. The Neuro-Oncology Program at Miami Children’s Hospital incorporates a multidisciplinary team, including experts in neuro-oncology,
neurosurgery, neuro-radiology, radiation oncology and other specialists who contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of all types of benign or malignant brain tumors.
The Cancer Center works closely with the Miami Children’s Brain Institute to provide the highest quality care for children with brain tumors. Following appropriate surgical treatment by the world-renowned neurosurgery team, treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required.
The Neuro-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant programs at Miami Children’s utilize innovative modalities such as stem cell transplants and are pioneering new protocols such as anti-angiogenesis treatment for brain tumors as well as alternative therapies. MCH is conducting research to reduce the long-term impact of radiation therapy and examine the effects of non-conventional drugs on cell lines derived from brain tumors.
The Brain Tumor Clinic is comprised of a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to evaluate brain tumors and address psycho-social and cognitive issues, as well as medical needs.
A multidisciplinary team consisting of Neuro-Radiology, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuro-Oncology and Radiation Therapy is available for the diagnosis and treatment of all types of benign or malignant brain tumors.
The Neuro Oncology specialist provides initial consultation for referrals with suspected or proven brain tumors. Appropriate referrals to the neurosurgeon, or radiotherapist would be made. When appropriate, the latest chemotherapy protocols will be given for patients with selected tumors. Chemotherapy can improve survival and cure rates in a variety of tumors such as medulloblastoma, germinoma and astrocytoma. In addition chemotherapy can be offered to infants with malignant tumors in an effort to delay or completely avoid the need for radiation therapy.