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Neuro-Oncology (Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors)


Our Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program is dedicated to providing world class care to children with tumors of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).   This nationally recognized program combines multi-disciplinary expertise to provide each child with a comprehensive individualized treatment plan that incorporates that most up to date therapy.  Meet our team here.     

ACCCBD Pediatric Neuro-Oncology is one of the largest programs in the United States, with 50 to 70 children newly diagnosed each year. We are an active member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the COG Phase I Consortium, Neurofibromatosis Consortium, and Next Consortium all of which conduct cutting-edge clinical trials for pediatric patients with nervous system tumors.  Treatment on clinical trials is offered to all eligible patients, providing access to the most current and novel therapies available (see clinical trials section).

Ongoing translational research through the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Program is developing innovative, targeted therapies like oncolytic virotherapy which are designed to improve outcomes and reduce side-effects in children with malignant brain tumors.

Our goal is to successfully treat the children we care for and see them return to happy and productive lives.


Meet Our Team

Neuro-Oncology Team

Girish Dhall, MD
Laura "Katie" Metrock, MD
Elizabeth Alva, MD 

Mary "Beth" Littrell, MD 

Kara Kachurak, CRNP

Marla Thompson, CRNP 

Micah Huggins, CRNP

The Hope and Cope Family Support Team

Avi Madan-Swain, PhD
Emily Warren, PhD                             

Nancy Leibovitz, M.Ed, CSP, School Liason Marry Haddow, CCLS, Child Life Specialist Micah Bruxvoort, MDiv Jan Roberts, LMSW

Neuro-Oncology Collaborating Physicians

Jeffery Blount, MD
James Johnston, MD
Curtis Rozelle, MD
Jerry Oakes, MD
Brandon Rocque, MD 
Rong Li, MD
John Fiveash, MD


 


Diseases We Treat at Children's

  • Optic/Hypothalamic Gliomas
  • High Grade Gliomas
  • Medulloblastoma
  • Neurofibromatosis Type I and II
  • High Grade Embryonal Tumors including ATRT

Standard Treatments

  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Bone Marrow Rescue