Neuro-Oncology Program

The University of Minnesota Pediatric Neuro-oncology/Neural Tumors Program

Central nervous system tumors constitute the second most common pediatric cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. The care of patients with these neoplasms requires specific knowledge and expertise. Each patient benefits from the attention of a multidisciplinary team, the hallmark of excellent pediatric neuro-oncologic care. We are proud of our group of dedicated providers, including pediatric neuro-surgeons, geneticists, and neuropsychologists.

The Pediatric neuro-oncology program, led by Dr. Christopher Moertel, encompasses care for children and young adults with brain and spinal cord tumors, peripheral nerve tumors, and retinoblastoma.

Dr. Moertel is also the director of the comprehensive neurofibromatosis clinic, which provides care for those affected by neurofibromatosis-related neoplasia, including optic pathway tumors, plexiform neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

The neuro-oncology program benefits from its close relationship with Dr. Brenda Weigel and the University’s designation as a COG phase I institution. The neuro-oncology team also works closely with the bone marrow transplant program as we develop new therapies and explore high dose chemotherapy options for our patients.

Understanding the late effects of brain tumor therapy is key to our patients’ long term success and Dr. Neglia is an international leader in studying the late effects of childhood cancer.

The neuro-oncology translational research program, led by Dr. John Ohlfest, explores the cutting edge science of brain tumor stem cells, neuro-immunology, and new agent development. David Largaspada, PhD is another leading researcher who has made seminal contributions to the understanding of neurofibromatosis – related neoplasia. Research opportunities are available in both labs.

The University of Minnesota is the home of the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, a participating member of the MIND Institute Consortium along with Harvard and the National Institutes of Health, and the home of some humongous magnets that reveal never-before-seen details of the human brain and its function.

Neuro-oncology clinics are held twice weekly and pediatric neuro-oncology care conferences are held on a monthly basis. These conferences include representatives of neurosurgery, neuro-radiology, neuro-pathology, neuro-oncology, endocrinology, radiation therapy and neurology, among others.

All pediatric hematology/oncology fellows will do a neuro-oncology rotation during their first year. This rotation will provide focused experience with clinical brain tumor management, neuro-radiology, therapeutic radiology, and neuropathology. Each fellow will have the opportunity to lead a neuro-oncology care conference during this rotation and will have opportunities for research laboratory exposure.

The neuro-oncology team includes the following members:

Christopher L. Moertel, MD   Clinical Director

Joseph P. Neglia MD MPH

Tambra Dahlheimer, RN CNP

Jane Torkelson, RN