Specialized Programs - Neuro-Oncology
The Neuro-Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary program founded at The Children’s Hospital in 1995. Its chief components are as follows:
- Neuro-Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Neuro-Pathology
- Pediatric Radiology
All patients are managed jointly by the multidisciplinary team. This team meets twice a month to review active and new patients and their ongoing therapy. Over 500 children with brain tumors have been treated by the Neuro-Oncology Program since its inception in 1995. The region covered by the program has gradually increased and now covers Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, much of Nebraska and western Kansas. The program is a fully participating member of the Children’s Oncology Group.
Leading the Children’s Neuro-Oncology Consortium
The Neuro-Oncology Program is also the lead institution in the Children’s Neuro-Oncology Consortium which covers eight major programs in the United States and develops innovative therapy for children with poor prognosis brain tumors. The program is also a fully participating member of the Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutic Investigators Consortium (P.O.E.T.I.C.) under Dr. Lia Gore which introduces new therapies and regimens to patients. The Program has particular expertise in ependymomas. Dr. Nick Foreman is chair of the subcommittee for ependymomas for the Children’s Oncology Group, leading all ependymomas protocols and their development in the United States . It has recognized and published expertise in high dose therapy particularly for young infants. The program has over 50 articles in peer reviewed journals. The Neuro-Oncology laboratory concentrates on the development of novel therapies for glial tumors.
The Neuro-Surgery Program has pioneered development of image-guided neuro-surgery. The Radiotherapy Division under Dr. Laurie Gaspar has been in the forefront of development of precise conformational radiotherapy to provide maximal dose while sparing of normal intracranial structures.
Neuro-Oncology Clinic
The Neuro-Oncology Program has clinics five days per week and will see new referrals within 48 hours. The Program provides intraoperative and inpatient consults. The program provides a multidisciplinary clinic for the care of long-term survivors. This clinic is held once a month and consists of neuro-oncology, neuro-surgery, endocrinology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, neuro-psychology, psychology, neurology, social work and nutrition. We are focusing on the quality of life of brain tumor survivors.
