Central Nervous System Tumor

Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), which include the brain and spinal cord, are the most common solid tumors in pediatric patients. These diseases are among the most complex and serious pediatric cancers and remain a leading cause of cancer-related illness and death in children and adolescents. CNS tumors are not a single disease, but a diverse group of cancers with distinct biological and molecular characteristics that influence how they grow and respond to treatment. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning require both microscopic evaluation and analysis of these molecular features.

Advances in genetic analysis have transformed how CNS tumors are diagnosed and classified, helping clinicians better understand each tumor’s specific characteristics and guide treatment decisions. While survival has improved for some of the more common CNS tumors, many children still face significant risks from both the disease and the long-term effects of treatment, which can impact cognitive development, physical function, and quality of life over time.

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COG’s Work in CNS Tumor

Children’s Oncology Group’s (COG) Central Nervous System Tumor Committee conducts national clinical trials to improve outcomes for children with CNS tumors while working to reduce long-term side effects.  Historically, it was difficult to determine exactly what type of brain tumor a child had and how best to treat it. Through large-scale, collaborative efforts—like COG’s Molecular Characterization Initiative, Project:EveryChild, and the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative—clinicians can now identify specific tumor subtypes at diagnosis, providing a more complete understanding of each tumor. This allows treatment to be more precisely matched to the biology of the disease.

The committee leads trials across a range of tumor types, including low-grade and high-grade gliomas, medulloblastoma, CNS germ cell tumors, and ependymoma. Current research focuses on testing targeted therapies, refining treatment intensity for different risk groups, and exploring approaches such as immunotherapy and new drug delivery methods.

In parallel, tools like liquid biopsy help researchers monitor the disease in real time and better predict treatment response and relapse risk. COG clinical trials have contributed to improved outcomes in specific CNS tumors, other rare, aggressive CNS tumors.

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CNS Tumor: Key Statistics

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    Children enrolled in the Molecular Characterization Initiative.

  • > 0 %

    Five-year survival rate.

Recent Publications

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We know that brain cancers remain some of the most difficult to treat — and COG has a vision to change that. Our focus remains on what matters most: running impactful trials that can lead to better treatments with fewer side effects and, ultimately, better outcomes for kids.

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COG Member Institutions

COG’s 220+ member institutions study and treat children and adolescents with cancer across a global network. These sites support patients from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, connecting families to clinical trials and specialized care closer to home.

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News from COG

As the world’s largest pediatric cancer research network, COG drives breakthroughs in treatment and improves outcomes for children with cancer. Explore the latest news and stories from across our global community.

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