Research is a top priority at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Childhood Brain Tumor Center. Our physicians work continuously to translate laboratory findings into clinical therapies and find ways to improve survival while reducing the toxicity and long-term impact of treatment.
Our researchers investigate pediatric brain tumor topics such as anti-tumor medications, genetic markers on tumor cells, and the long-term effects of treatment and ways to minimize these effects.
At Dana-Farber/Boston Children's, we have an unparalleled depth of experience in developing new treatments for brain tumors through clinical trials.
Our research and clinical trials have made us a leader in improving survival rates for hard-to-treat pediatric brain tumors like medulloblastoma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). We also were the first pediatric hospital to install a mobile “intraoperative MRI,” which allows surgeons to obtain images while the patient is still under anesthesia and to perform further procedures as needed.
In addition to launching our own clinical trials, we also offer trials available through collaborative groups such as the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC). We are also the New England Phase I Center of the Children's Oncology Group. If your child has a progressive or recurrent tumor, she may be eligible for a number of clinical trials available through these groups or from one of our independent clinical investigators.