Brain Tumors and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children
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Duke’s pediatric brain tumor specialists are dedicated to improving outcomes and curing children with brain tumors and spinal cord tumors. As part of a worldwide network of pediatric brain tumor centers, we offer the latest advances in testing, access to a broad range of clinical trials, and the most advanced treatments currently available. Our team interfaces with families and referring physicians to discuss treatments and explore options as a complimentary service. We accept new patients promptly and have a large support team to process referral information and streamline reviews of new patients by our pediatric neuro-oncologists.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Why Choose Duke
A Team Approach to Your Child’s Brain Tumor, Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment
Optimal care for your child’s brain or spinal cord tumor requires a large team of specialists. Our pediatric neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and neuro-oncologists work closely with you and your child to create a personalized treatment plan. Your child’s care team also includes oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, research nurses and staff, social workers, cancer geneticists, nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
Comfort During Treatment
We focus on keeping your child as comfortable as possible during treatment and work hard to minimize side effects and improve his or her overall quality of life. Our team includes experts in pain management, supportive nutrition, relaxation techniques, and therapies for coping with treatment and hospitalization.
Advanced Care Nurse and Neuro-Oncologist Available 24/7
An advanced care nurse is your main point of contact throughout your child’s treatment and recovery. Your child’s advanced care nurse and neuro-oncologists are available to you 24/7.
Infusion Center and Clinic Accommodate Your Schedule
Our infusion center and clinic operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This reduces hospital admissions and allows us to accommodate your work and your child’s school schedules as much as possible.
Our Care for Your Child Continues After Treatment
This is a critical component of an excellent brain tumor program, as children with brain tumors may face unique challenges after they complete treatment.
- Your child’s follow-up care includes regular screenings, ongoing surveillance, and referrals to subspecialists as needed.
- We help your child transition back to school.
- Our programs help your child and family manage the immediate and long-term physical and emotional side-effects of treatment, including vocation support and mentoring.
Dedicated Pediatric Neuro-oncology Social Worker
Our social worker helps children and families during treatment and afterward. She works with our team to address the particular needs of each child, even long after treatment is complete.
Education and Medical Play Therapy
Doctor visits and hospitals can be overwhelming and sometimes scary for children. Our child life team can enhance the care your child receives. They explain procedures in ways your child can understand, offer encouragement and emotional support, and use fun activities to take your child’s mind off treatment.
Teen and Young Adult Oncology Program
Teens and young adults are too old to be treated like young kids, but adult care might not be quite right either. Our Teen and Young Adult Oncology Program brings together experts in pediatric and adult cancer to customize medical care and emotional support unique to adolescents, helping them cope with cancer treatment and the ways it affects their academic and social activities. In addition, we provide specialized services to support adolescents as they transition to adult providers, pursue vocations, and live independently.
Help Navigating the Medical System
Our care coordinators and social worker help you navigate the medical system and coordinate the variety of health services your child needs, including appointments for testing, treatment, and other medical visits. They can help you work with insurance providers, connect you with resources, and help you manage the details related to your child’s care.
Children travel from around the world to participate in the innovative therapies only available at Duke, including our nationally recognized polio vaccine clinical trial.
Nationally Recognized Expertise
Duke is a nationally recognized leader in immunotherapy and targeted agents and has been at the forefront of important treatment breakthroughs that have improved patient outcomes. Our pediatric program is part of the internationally recognized Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Institute
In addition to funding research to discover causes and cures for childhood brain tumors, the Institute provides financial, educational, and emotional support to children and families affected by brain tumors.
Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center is proud to be nationally ranked in nine pediatric specialties.