Treatment

In general, tumors in children is uncommon, so it can be hard for doctors to plan treatments unless they know what has been most effective in other children. That’s why more than 60% of children with tumors are treated as part of a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that compare standard treatments (the best treatments available) to newer treatments that may be more effective. Investigating new treatments involves careful monitoring using scientific methods, and all participants are followed closely to track progress.

To take advantage of these newer treatments, all children with brain tumors should be treated at a specialized cancer center. Doctors at these centers have extensive experience in treating children with tumors and have access to the latest research. A doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer is called a pediatric oncologist. Many times, a team of doctors treats a child with a brain tumor. Pediatric cancer centers often have extra support services for children and their families, such as nutritionists, social workers, and counselors. Special activities for kids with tumors may also be available.

The treatment of DIG depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether the tumor has spread, and the child’s overall health. Descriptions of the most common treatment options for DIG are listed below.

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for DIG, with the goal being the complete removal of the tumor. A neurosurgeon is a doctor who specializes in treating a tumor in the brain or spine with surgery.

Surgery to the brain requires the removal of part of the skull, a procedure called a craniotomy. After the surgeon removes the tumor, the patient’s own bone will be used to cover the opening in the skull. There have been rapid advances in surgery for brain tumors, including the use of cortical mapping (which allows doctors to identify certain areas of the brain that control the senses, language, and motor skills) and enhanced imaging devices to give surgeons more tools to plan and perform the surgery.

After surgery, the treatment plan is determined based on the following criteria:

• The amount of tumor removed
  
  
• The age of the child
  
  
• The presence of metastases (disease spread)

Sometimes, surgery cannot be performed because the tumor cannot be reached or is near a vital structure; these types of tumors are called inoperable. In these cases, the doctor will recommend treating the tumor in another way.

Side effects from surgery for DIG can vary, and patients are encouraged to discuss possible short-term and long-term side effects with their doctor.

Learn more about surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill tumor cells. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream, targeting tumor cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating a tumor with medication. Some people receive chemotherapy in their doctor’s office; others may go to the hospital. A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a specific time.

Chemotherapy may be used in some cases to slow or stop the growth of DIG when surgery is not an option. It also may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or to destroy any tumor remaining after surgery. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished.

Learn more about chemotherapy and preparing for treatment. The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.

Find out more about common terms used during cancer treatment.