Brain tumors are the most common solid malignancy in
childhood. Every year they strike 33 out of every million children under the
age of 15. Despite their relatively rare occurrence, they are
serious and require the most coordinated care possible. One of the first institutions in
the country to develop a cohesive, multidisciplinary program for brain tumor treatment, Children's Memorial treats over 67
percent of children in the Chicago area who are newly diagnosed with this condition. In
addition we treat a great deal more patients with recurrent disease.
To improve therapeutic outcomes for children with primary
brain tumors, the National Cancer Institute has established and funded a Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium
(PBTC). Children's Memorial and other PBTC partner institutions are
responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of the majority of children with
primary brain tumors in the United States. We also have an number of
clinical trials available working with the Children's Oncology
Group (COG)
for treatment of pediatric brain tumors.
For more information on brain tumors, read this
comprehensive overview by Falk Brain Tumor Center Director Dr. Tomita. The
Falk Brain Tumor Center's team members also include more than a dozen other
highly skilled professionals.