Pediatric Brain Tumor Program

When your child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, you want the best care imaginable. You want the most advanced treatments, experienced specialists and a team focused on your child’s long-term quality of life.

At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, we provide world-class treatment while protecting your child's right to be a kid. Our pediatric neuro-oncology program is world-renowned and one of the top programs in North America. Additionally, the pediatric neurosurgery and neurology programs are ranked 5th in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. We receive more than 100 patient referrals from other states and different countries each year. We offer safer treatment methods, the latest clinical trials and a team focused on making treatment as easy as possible for your child and your family.

In addition to providing exceptional care for our patients, The Pediatric Brain Tumor Program also seeks to advance the field of pediatric neuro-oncology through leading-edge research. We are working tirelessly to develop new treatments and technologies that will help to free more children from tumors and cancers of the brain.

The St. Louis Region’s Largest Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program

Our Brain Tumor Program has the area’s largest pediatric brain tumor team. This dedicated multidisciplinary group includes:

Neuro-Oncologists
Neurosurgeons
Radiation Oncologists
Neuro-Radiologists
Neuro-Pathologists
Neurologists
Endocrinologists
Dermatologists
Rehabilitation medicine
Ophthalmologists
Nurses
School liaisons
Social workers
Therapists

We work with families and referring physicians to create a customized treatment plan for each child. Our nurse coordinators manage each patient’s care so families can focus on their children, rather than on scheduling appointments or hunting down test results.

Clinical trials

Our research and clinical trials provide hope and promise for the future. Here at Siteman Kids, your child has access to up-and-coming treatments they cannot get anywhere else in the region.

We are members of the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) – one of the largest pediatric brain tumor consortia conducting research for children with brain tumors – enabling your child to participate in national clinical trials while staying here in St. Louis. We are the only participating site in the region.

Treatments for Children with Brain Tumors

Experience is key when it comes to treating children with brain tumors. Our oncologists and surgeons are experts at diagnosing pediatric brain tumors, finding the best treatments and researching new therapies. We will talk through your options and explain treatments at every step.

At Siteman Kids, your child’s treatment plan will be informed by the molecular and genetic features of their tumor. We collaborate with Washington University’s McDonnell Genome Institute, one of only three large-scale genetic sequencing centers in the United States and a world leader in using targeted gene testing to help tailor individualized treatment plans.

Advanced treatments

Our full spectrum of advanced brain tumor treatments includes:

Intraoperative MRI, which guides surgeons while they operate
Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a technique that does not require incisions
Intensity modulated radiation therapy, which helps minimize the effects of radiation

Learn more about our brain tumor treatments.

Find out about our brain tumor clinical trials.