Treatments for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
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A child diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumour will have a treatment plan created just for them by their healthcare team. The plan is based on your child's health and specific information about the tumour. When deciding which treatments to offer for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours, the healthcare team will consider:
- the type, size and location of the tumour
- how far the tumour has grown or spread
- if the tumour can be surgically removed (resectable)
- the grade of the tumour
- your child's age, neurological condition and general health
Surgery is the main treatment for most childhood brain and spinal cord tumours. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, supportive drugs and other treatments may also be used.
Treatment is given in a pediatric cancer centre by a multidisciplinary team. This includes pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, radiation oncologists, pediatric neuro-oncologists, endocrinologists, nurses and pathologists. Other support staff are also available, such as child life specialists, dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and counsellors.
Find out more about your child's healthcare team, helping your child cope and tips on managing your child's care.
Astrocytoma
Astrocytoma is a type of tumour that can develop in the brain or spinal cord. Treatments for astrocytoma depend on the grade and can include surgery, active surveillance, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Brain stem glioma
Brain stem glioma is a type of brain tumour in children that starts in the brain stem. Treatment is based on if the tumour is in a small area (called focal) or has spread throughout the brain stem (called diffuse).
Choroid plexus tumours
Choroid plexus tumours are a rare type of childhood brain tumour. They are often treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngiomas are slow-growing, or non-cancerous, brain tumours that occur in children. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
Ependymoma
Ependymoma is a type of brain and spinal cord tumour in children that starts in the lining of the ventricles of the brain. It is usually treated with surgery and radiation therapy.
Germ cell tumours of the brain
Germ cell tumours start from reproductive cells. They can sometimes develop in the brain during childhood. Treatments for germ cell tumours of the brain include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastomas (also called embryonal tumours) are a type of brain tumour in children. They usually start in the cerebellum and are fast-growing, high-grade tumours.
Optic and hypothalamic gliomas
Optic and hypothalamic gliomas are types of brain tumours in children. They start along the optic nerves or in the hypothalamus. Treatment depends on age, location of the tumour and extent of vision loss and other symptoms.
Rhabdoid tumours of the brain
Rhabdoid tumours are rare in children. They can sometimes start in the brain or spinal cord. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and stem cell transplant.
Surgery for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Surgery is a medical procedure to examine, remove or repair tissue. Childhood brain and spinal cord tumours are usually treated with surgery.
Radiation therapy for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Childhood brain and spinal cord tumours are commonly treated with radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat childhood brain and spinal cord tumours.
Supportive therapy
Supportive therapy is commonly used to help with symptoms caused by brain and spinal cord tumours and their treatment. Supportive therapy may be used after surgery or during radiation therapy to relieve symptoms.
Targeted therapy for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells or inside them. Childhood brain and spinal cord tumours are sometimes treated with targeted therapy.
Stem cell transplant for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
A stem cell transplant replaces stem cells. Stem cells are basic cells that develop into different types of cells that have different jobs. Childhood brain and spinal cord tumours are sometimes treated with a stem cell transplant.
Active surveillance for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Active surveillance may be offered for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours. The healthcare team watches the cancer closely to see if it is growing before offering other treatments.
Follow-up after treatment for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Follow-up is an important part of care for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours. It often involves regular tests and visits with the healthcare team.
Late effects of treatments for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours
Late effects or long-term side effects can happen years after treatment for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours.