Cook Children's Neuro-Oncology

All kids really want to do is be kids. They want to play, and learn and laugh. Here at Cook Children's, that's what we want too. That's why we've grown to become one of the largest pediatric neuro-oncology programs in the Southwest. A neuro cancer diagnosis can be the start of a scary journey. Our neuro-oncology team is here to help each child we treat overcome as many obstacles as possible, and to make a difference every step along the way.

For Dodson Specialty Clinics appointments, please use the new P1 garage to park and check in at the new location of Dodson Central Registration. If you have any questions, just ask us. We're here for you every step! Download map.

Our distinguished neuro-oncology team is highly regarded for their active role in national and international clinical research trials and relentless pursuit of seeking cures. When you place your child in our care, you know that he or she is in the capable hands of some of the finest neuro-oncology specialists in the country, if not the world. These men and women are dedicated experts in the care and treatment of tumors in the brain, brainstem, optic tract and spine, as well as neurofibromatosis, vascular malformations, dermoid lesions and more.

Cancers of the central nervous system (CNS) are the most frequent type of solid tumors in children and rank second only to the leukemias as the most common malignant cancers in children. They account for approximately 20 percent of all pediatric cancers, with 2,500-3,000 children diagnosed in the U.S. each year. As for the vast majority of childhood cancers, the cause of CNS tumors is not known. Despite progress in successful therapy for all types of childhood cancers in the past decades, they remain the leading cause of cancer death in children, teens and young adults.

We treat a variety of tumors, malignant and nonmalignant, vascular conditions and lesions found throughout the CNS, many of which are extremely complex. Some of the conditions we treat include, but are not limited to:

Brain tumors, including astrocytomas and other low-grade gliomas
Brainstem tumors
Craniopharyngioma
Ependymoma
Germinoma
High-grade glioma
Medulloblastoma
Neurofibromatosis
Oligodendroglioma
Optic tract tumors
Plexiform neurofibromas
Spinal cord tumors

At Cook Children's, the optimal treatments for CNS neoplasms are developed by an integrated team of specialists as part of a comprehensive neuro-oncology program. Along with access to leading-edge clinical trials, the team uses the best-available neurosurgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and equipment, as well as proper chemotherapy regimens.

You can trust that your child will be surrounded by the best specialists available, all working together to ensure one thing: that your child has the best outcomes possible. Your child's neuro-oncologist, neurologist, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologist, endocrinologist, hematology and oncology specialists and experienced neuro-oncology nurse are there every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment, and beyond.

As an important member of your child's care, you'll meet with the team on a regular basis to discuss progress, concerns and address any questions you or your child may have.

Cook Children's former patient, Austin Roberts, is extremely grateful for the care she received through Cook Children's Neuro-Oncology program.

Because cancer and cancer treatment can impact your child's mental and physical capabilities, and your family's financial and emotional well-being, the team will most likely include one or more of the following:

Audiology
Child Life specialist
Clinical therapists
Life After Cancer Program specialist
Neuropsychology
Neurorehabilitation
Nursing
Pastoral Care
Physical, speech and occupational therapists
Social Services
Transitional care

Our Neuro-Oncology team

Kasey Jackson, MD

Neuro-Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Jeffrey Murray, MD

Neuro-Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Sibo Zhao, MD

Neuro-Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Beth Colaluca, Ph.D.
Neuropsychologist

View biography
Mandy Mansell
MSN, RN, CPNP AC/PC, CPON

zhao-neuro-onc

Innovations in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research and Treatments

Sibo Zhao, M.D. Medical Director, Cook Children's Neuro-Oncology program, discusses the challenges of pediatric brain and spinal tumors, and the research and clinical trials that are transforming outcomes for pediatric patients, including developmental therapeutics and anti-cancer care.

Listen to podcast

Active neuro-oncology research studies

Advances in diagnosing and treating children and young people with brain, spine and nervous system tumors are happening at what feels like warp speed. As a result newer neurosurgical technologies, radiation therapy approaches, chemotherapy strategies and the interaction of these amazing breakthroughs are leading to better and better outcomes for children, teens and young adults–and ultimately, their families. Within research, there is now an exploding understanding of childhood brain tumors at the molecular level that will soon translate to even more novel management approaches for some key neoplasms.

Here at Cook Children's, our neuro-oncology specialists have earned their place at the forefront of amazing breakthroughs. We are actively involved in national and international research programs and clinical trials and our scientific submissions and conference presentations have earned the respect of our peers and organizations around the globe.

Cook Children's Neuro-Oncology Program is currently participating in several clinical, biology and epidemiology trials in partnership with a number of renowned research organizations, including the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and Texas-Oklahoma Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (TOPNOC).

Exploration of Perceived Stress, Sleep, Fatigue, and Biomarkers in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors

Primary Investigator: Bashore NP, Lisa M

IRB ID: 2018-010 (OPEN)

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SJiMB21: Phase 2 Study of Molecular and Clinical Risk-Directed Therapy for Infants and Young Children with Newly Diagnosed Medulloblastoma

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: St. Jude_SJiMB21_Zhao (OPEN)

Study Information
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We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-2500.

Cook Children's Neuro-Oncology

Cancers of the central nervous system

Conditions we treat

Our approach

Center of attention

Our Neuro-Oncology team

Kasey Jackson, MD

Jeffrey Murray, MD

Sibo Zhao, MD

Innovations in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research and Treatments

Active neuro-oncology research studies

We're here to help.