This information represents the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer Society's Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals, as well as their own professional experience.

The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options.

The first part of this section describes the various types of treatments used for brain tumors in children. This is followed by a description of the most common approaches used for these tumors based on the type of tumor.

General comments about treatment

Children and adolescents with brain and spinal cord tumors and their families have special needs that can be met best by cancer centers for children and adolescents working closely with the child's primary care doctor. Treatment in these centers takes advantage of teams of specialists who know the differences between cancers in adults and those in children and adolescents, as well as the unique needs of younger people with cancer. This team often includes several different types of doctors, nurses, and other specialists.

The main treatments for children with central nervous system tumors are:

• surgery
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy

In many cases children will get some combination of these. Treatment is different for different kinds of tumors. Doctors plan each child's treatment individually to give them the best chance of cure. The possible long-term side effects of treatment are also considered.

Last Medical Review: 04/07/2008
Last Revised: 05/13/2009