VCU Massey Cancer Center

Treatment for brain tumors

Specific treatment for brain tumors will be determined by your child’s physician based on:

• Your child’s age, overall health and medical history.
• Type, location and size of the tumor.
• Extent of the disease.
• Your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies.
• Expectations for the course of the disease.
• Your opinion or preference.

Treatment may include (alone or in combination) the following methods:

• Surgery – usually the first step in the treatment of brain tumors. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while maintaining neurological function. Surgery for a biopsy also is done to examine the types of cells the tumor is made of for a diagnosis. This is frequently done if the tumor is in an area with sensitive structures around it that may be injured during removal.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• Steroids – to treat and prevent swelling especially in the brain.
• Anti-seizure medication – to treat and prevent seizures associated with intracranial pressure.
• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (also called a VP shunt) – a VP shunt may be placed in the head to drain excess fluid from inside the brain. A VP shunt helps control the pressure inside the brain. 
• Lumbar puncture/spinal tap – to test pressure in the central nervous system, to look for suspicious cells and to give medication if needed.
• Bone marrow transplantation.
• Supportive care – for the side effects of the tumor or treatment.
• Rehabilitation – to regain lost motor skills and muscle strength; speech, physical, and occupational therapists may be involved in the health care team.
• Antibiotics – to treat and prevent infections.
• Continuous follow-up care – to manage disease, detect recurrence of the tumor and to manage late effects of treatment.