
Brain Tumor Program
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Program provides advanced treatment for brain and spinal cord tumors in a supportive environment. Our goal is to cure as many patients as possible, while providing all patients with the best possible care and quality of life.
In our program, a broad team of specialists coordinates care for every child. Many different types of doctors, including pediatric neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation medicine doctors and radiation oncologists work together to make a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Our team also includes psychologists, neuropsychologists, social workers, child life specialists and a school liaison specialist who can help families navigate the challenges of treatment while caring for their child's emotional and psychological health. We work closely with local and national organizations, support groups and community resources for children and their families.
Our neurologists and neurosurgeons are supported by advanced technologies that allow us to remove or destroy tumor tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. For instance, using MRI scanning during surgery helps our surgeons safely remove as much of the tumor as possible. We are also one of only a few centers in California that offer a highly targeted form of radiation therapy using the Gamma Knife and CyberKnife.
We belong to several national research consortiums that are working to discover better and safer treatments for brain and spinal tumors in children. And because we are part of a leading medical research institution, our patients are among the first to benefit from new scientific findings and clinical trials.
Our locations (3)
Our team
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Sabine Mueller
MD, PhD, MAS
Pediatric neurologist and neuro-oncologist -
Kurtis I. Auguste
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Anuradha Banerjee
MD, MPH
Pediatric neuro-oncologist -
Mitchel Berger
MD
Neurosurgeon -
Steve Braunstein
MD, PhD
Radiation oncologist -
Christina Coleman
DO
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist and neuro-oncologist -
Nalin Gupta
MD, PhD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Caroline Hastings
MD
Hematologist-oncologist and neuro-oncologist -
Maya Lodish
MD
Pediatric endocrinologist -
Jean L. Nakamura
MD
Radiation oncologist -
David R. Raleigh
MD, PhD
Radiation oncologist -
Alyssa Reddy
MD
Pediatric neurologist and neuro-oncologist -
Peter P. Sun
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Dina Hankin
PhD
Psychologist -
Shannon Lundy
PhD
Pediatric neuropsychologist -
Wendy Santos-Modesitt
PhD
Pediatric neuropsychologist -
Caroline Farless
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Carly Hoffman
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Stephanie Petruzzi
LCSW, MSW
Pediatric social worker -
Shannon H. Raber
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Anita Sharma
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
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Best in Northern California for cancer care
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One of the nation's best in neurology & neurosurgery
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in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs
Plan your visit
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
Clinical trials

Trametinib and Everolimus for the Treatment of Pediatric and Young Adult Patients With Recurrent Low Grade Gliomas
Learn more
Selinexor in Treating Younger Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors or High-Grade Gliomas
Learn more
ONC206 for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed, or Recurrent Diffuse Midline Gliomas, and Other Recurrent Malignant Brain Tumors
Learn more
Immunotherapy (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) Before and After Surgery for the Treatment of Recurrent or Progressive High Grade Glioma in Children and Young Adults
Learn moreSupport services
Our research initiatives
Tender wagging care
Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.
Visit Child Life services