Brain Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment for pediatric brain tumors such as ependymomas, high-grade gliomas and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT). These tumors grow quickly and are difficult to treat. Immunotherapy uses special cells and therapies that help the body recognize and attack the tumor.
Brain tumor immunotherapy is only available in select pediatric programs worldwide, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Our experts are at the leading edge of pediatric immunotherapy research and treatment.
What Is Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors?
The immune system typically protects the body from harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and more. But cancer cells are good at hiding from the immune system. Immunotherapy helps your child’s immune system find and destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy may help your child avoid the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, immunotherapy does cause other side effects, such as inflammation and headache. It is important to get care from a program that has experience managing these effects.
Brain Tumor Immunotherapy at Children's Hospital
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a recognized leader in pediatric brain tumor immunotherapy. Our team includes scientists whose lab discoveries have made this treatment possible. Neuro-oncologists (doctors who treat brain and spinal cord tumors) specializing in immunotherapy oversee clinical trials and patient care. Our combined expertise focuses on providing safe, appropriate care even with such new treatments.
Immunotherapy is one of many medical treatments for brain tumors. Offerings also include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery and clinical trials of other new therapies. We consider every option before recommending the one that’s best for your child’s diagnosis. Explore our Neuro-Oncology Program.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for brain tumors
CAR T-cell therapy is one of today’s newest tumor immunotherapy options. Children’s Hospital is one of the few programs in the country offering this treatment for brain tumors.
CAR T-cell therapy involves taking a blood sample and programming immune cells to attack a specific protein in the tumor. We deliver the cells intravenously or directly into the fluid surrounding the brain. One of the potential advantages of CAR T-cell therapy is that the cells stay in the body after attacking the tumor. This may lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
Research and Innovation
Our participation in landmark immunotherapy studies gives us a depth of experience few programs can offer. Children’s Hospital was one of the first programs in the world to offer CAR T-cell therapy for treatment-resistant leukemia. We are also one of the first programs to offer this therapy to select children with brain tumors.
CHLA experts are working with other top immunotherapy experts to advance the field. We are a proud member of the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC), the world’s premier brain tumor research networks. These partnerships give your child access to leading-edge therapies including immunotherapy options. Explore our brain tumor clinical trials.
Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors: Second Opinions
If your child is receiving treatment at another program and you’d like to know whether immunotherapy is an option, we can help. We often provide second opinions in a single visit. Request an online second opinion.
Our team thoroughly reviews your child’s case, including tissue samples, imaging studies and notes from your current provider. If your child is eligible for immunotherapy, we explain risks, benefits and potential next steps.
Brain Tumor Care at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital provides exceptional care for brain and spinal cord tumors. Whether it’s testing, treatment or support, we offer all the services your child needs in one location. Learn more about our Brain Tumor Center.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment with the Brain Tumor Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, call 323-361-6600.
