CancerPediatric Brain Center

Brain Tumor Program

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Program offers advanced treatments for brain and spinal cord tumors in a supportive environment. Our goal is to cure whenever possible while providing every patient with the best possible care and quality of life. We treat kids from all over the Bay Area and beyond.

Because these patients often need many types of treatment, our program brings together a highly experienced team of experts to provide coordinated care. Pediatric neuro-oncologists (specialists in brain and spinal cancers) collaborate closely with doctors from pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric neurology, pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation, and pediatric radiation oncology on every case to deliver an accurate diagnosis and design an effective treatment plan.

The team also includes psychologists, neuropsychologists, social workers, child life specialists and a school liaison. These experts help families navigate the challenges of treatment while looking after their child's emotional and psychological health. We work with local and national organizations to ensure patients and their families have the resources they need, including support groups.

For pediatric patients approaching age 18, we work closely with the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Neuro-Oncology Clinic to ensure a seamless transition to adult care.

Highlights of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program

We have expertise in leading-edge diagnostic methods, such as:

  • Stereotactic biopsy. Compared with open surgery, this is a less invasive method for obtaining a sample of tumor tissue for microscopic analysis. The surgeon makes a small hole in the skull and, guided by imaging, uses a needle to remove some tumor cells.
  • Gene sequencing. For all our patients, we use a state-of-the-art test, the UCSF500 Cancer Gene Panel, to identify mutations in the tumor's DNA. The results can allow doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and determine the best treatment course for an individual patient.

We provide innovative brain tumor treatments, including:

  • Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). Only a few hospitals in California offer this drug, which targets treatment-resistant neuroblastoma.
  • Convection-enhanced delivery. Researchers at UCSF helped pioneer this procedure, which uses a thin tube to administer chemotherapy drugs directly to a brain tumor, making the treatment more effective while reducing its side effects on healthy brain tissue and the rest of the body.
  • MEK inhibitors. These drugs, which block the activity of certain proteins, can effectively treat neurofibromatosis type 1.

We take advantage of technologies that can optimize what a treatment achieves while minimizing its harmful side effects. Examples include:

  • MRI scanning during procedures. This practice helps surgeons safely remove as much of the tumor as possible.
  • Gamma Knife and CyberKnife radiosurgery. We are one of only a few centers in California to offer these advanced techniques, either of which may be an option for tumors previously considered untreatable. They allow precise delivery of high-dose radiation therapy with minimal damage to healthy tissues.

What's more, our program is committed to improving brain tumor care through research. We belong to several national alliances for brain tumor investigation, and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals play a leading role in the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium, which is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for these cancers. This active involvement means our patients have exceptional access to promising experimental therapies and are among the first to benefit from new scientific findings.

Your child may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for a promising brain tumor treatment. Learn more about the process and potential benefits of participating in a clinical trial.

Our locations (2)

    Explore what we do

    Navigating brain tumor treatment with virtual reality

    Our team used cutting-edge VR technology to help a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 and her family prepare for brain surgery.

    Read the story

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Cancer, 2024-2025

      Best in Northern California for cancer care

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2024-2025

      One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery

    • in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs

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    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

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    Your Stay

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    Your Child's Care Team

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Decorative Caduceus

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    Genetically Modified Cells (KIND T Cells) for the Treatment of HLA-A*0201-Positive Patients Wit...

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    BGB-290 and Temozolomide in Treating Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH)1/2-Mutant Grade I-IV Glioma...

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    Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Diffuse Midline Gliomas

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    DFMO as Maintenance Therapy for Molecular High/Very High Risk and Relapsed Medulloblastoma

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    Immunotherapy Before and After Surgery for Treatment of Recurrent or Progressive High Grade Gli...

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    Nivolumab and Tovorafenib for Treatment of Craniopharyngioma in Children and Young Adults

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    Individualized Treatment Plan in Children and Young Adults With Relapsed Medulloblastoma and Ep...

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    Intra-Tumoral Injections of Natural Killer Cells for Recurrent Malignant Pediatric Brain Tumors

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    Trametinib and Everolimus for Treatment of Pediatric and Young Adult Patients With Recurrent Gl...

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Beads of Courage

    We help children cope with cancer testing and treatment challenges by awarding colorful beads for each milestone they achieve. Find out about our program.

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    Camp Okizu

    This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    • Pediatric Brain Tumor Research

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      UCSF Brain Tumor Center Clinical Trials

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    • ucsf-childrens-cancer-program-clinical-trials-2x

      Clinical Trials at UCSF: Pediatric Cancer

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    • Early-Phase Clinical Trials at UCSF: Pediatric Cancer

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    Resources for physicians

    Whether you're referring a patient, seeking a second opinion or looking for professional education opportunities, you'll find resources on the UCSF Pediatric Brain Center's MedConnection hub. We look forward to partnering with you!

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    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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