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Neuro-Oncology

Providing pediatric patients with brain and spinal tumors with comprehensive, coordinated care through research, clinical care, and support services.

The Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program is an integral part of The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. Pediatric patients with brain and spinal tumors and their families are provided with comprehensive, coordinated care through research, clinical care, and support services.

We believe an interdisciplinary approach is required for quality care. Our team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, clinical researchers, social workers, neuropsychologists, chaplains, child life specialists, and hospital school teachers who are dedicated to caring for the needs of patients with brain tumors and their families.

We seek to improve the well-being and survival of children with brain tumors through advances in laboratory and clinical investigation, compassionate care, and enhanced quality of life. 

Treatments

We offer treatments and services related to brain and spinal cord tumors, including experimental therapies through clinical trials. In addition, we offer the following programs and services to our patients and their families:

  • The Brain Tumor Family Learning Center  
  • School Re-entry Assistance
  • Educational programs, opportunities, materials
  • Supportive counseling for children and adults
  • Social work services
  • Grief, loss, bereavement counseling

Commonly Performed Exams and Procedures

  • Laboratory studies/blood work
  • MRI and CT scans of brain and spine
  • Lumbar punctures
  • Infusaport and central line access
  • Audiograms
  • Neurological assessments
  • Neuropsychological assessments

Physicians and Staff

Physicians

Name Areas of Special Interest
Oren J. Becher, MD Central nervous system tumors in children and teenagers; new treatment regimens for children and young adults with gliomas; interest in discovering novel, highly targeted, potent, and less toxic molecular inhibitors to treat brain tumors, and in testing novel drugs in genetic models of brain-stem gliomas or DIPGs
Melanie J. Bonner, PhD Pediatric psychology; patients and families coping with chronic illness; psychological assessment of children and adolescents with medical, developmental, learning, and/or behavioral problems
Sridharan Gururangan, MRCP (UK) Developing innovative phase 1 and 2 trials in the treatment of children with recurrent brain tumors

Staff

NameRole
Jeanne Krauser, RN, MSN, CPNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer King, RN, CPON Clinical Research Coordinator
Rebecca McIntyre, MSW, LCSW Pediatric Social Worker
Trish Peters Hospital School Teacher
Tarah Buckner Staff Assistant/Patient Coordinator

Clinic Hours and Location

Our clinic is located on Level Four of the McGovern-Davison Children's Health Center.

Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710
Tel: 919-668-4000


Hours:
Monday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Appointments and Contact Information

Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Main Office: 919-668-6288
General and Appointment Related Questions

Medical Emergencies Anytime: 919-684-8111

Mailing Address:
Duke University Medical Center
Hanes House, Room 306
330 Trent Drive
Box 102382
Durham, NC 27710
Tel: 919-668-6288
Fax: 919-668-2485