Pediatric Neurological Surgery Research
Basic Science Research
The basic science pediatric neurosurgery research program is aimed at increasing our understanding of how the brain develops and finding new treatments for pediatric neurological disorders. Current research projects include:
• Developmental biology of the mammalian brain
• The effect of radiation on hippocampal neurogenesis in the immature brain
• Evaluation of novel therapeutics in a rodent model of brainstem glioma
• Developmental cues in the early embryo regulating medulloblastoma migration
• Developmental biology of the cerebellum and mouse models of medulloblastoma
• Mouse models of medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma, and small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapeutics
Pediatric basic science research in the Department of Neurological Surgery is funded by several outside agencies including the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation US, the PLGA Foundation, and the National Cancer Instiute.
Clinical Research
The Fetal Myelomeningocele Trial
This prospective randomized clinical trial is supported by the NIH and directly compares fetal repair of myelomeningocele (spina bifida) with the standard post-natal surgical procedure. Three US centers (Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Vanderbilt University and UCSF) are participating in this rigorous clinical trial. The institutional Principal Investigator is Michael Harrison MD, Director of the Fetal Treatment Center. For more information, visit: The UCSF Fetal Treatment Center website.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium
UCSF is one of nine institutions that participate in the development and conduct of innovative phase I and II clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. Two currently active clinical trials through the PBTC are led by UCSF investigators: PBTC-011 (Principal Investigator: Anuradha Banerjee MD, MPH) uses direct convection delivery of a tumor-directed agent into the brain, and PBTC-014 (Principal Investigator: Daphne Haas-Kogan MD) which uses R115777 (Zarnestra) in combination with radiation therapy.
The Epidemiology of Congenital Hydrocephalus
Through collaborations with the Hydrocephalus Association and the Division of Neuroepidemiology, ongoing investigations are begining to define the incidence, prevalence, and long-term outcome for patients developing hydrocephalus in childhood.
Natural History Study of Chiari I Malformations
A population-based study of the clinical features and outcome associated with Chiari I malformations. This study is being conducted the Kaiser Department of Research in collaboration with the Division of Child Neurology at UCSF.
Center for Cerebrovascular Research
The Center is involved in a number of epidemiologic studies of brain malformations in adults and children.