The Stanford Neurogenetic Oncology Program

The Stanford Neurogenetics Oncology Program is among a select group of programs worldwide that offer extensive expertise and experience in caring for patients with rare and difficult neurogenetic disorders. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-opthalmology, neuro-oncology, neuro-interventional radiology, urology, dermatology, general surgery and genetics. Our clinic provides comprehensive and coordinated care, so patients’ visits include all the necessary evaluations and procedures, and we are able to address the multiple medical issues characteristic of these disorders, in one location.   


Conditions We Treat

Our team has extensive expertise in handling the most complicated cases of neurogenetic disorders, including autosomal dominant diseases:


Treatment Options

Living with these systemic disorders requires the most sophisticated care. In addition to providing patients detailed, ongoing comprehensive disease management for these chronic disorders, our specialists offer the most advanced treatment options, including the following: 

  • Cyberknife Radiosurgery: A painless, noninvasive technology that offers delivery of high dose X-rays, focused precisely on a targeted region to treat tumors, brain and spine conditions, and cancers.
  • Neurointerventional Radiology: The use of minimally invasive technologies to treat vascular conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, head and neck (the central nervous system).
  • Neurosurgical Interventions: Surgical interventions concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system.
  • Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells, tumors, and non-cancerous diseases.

Support Groups

We know our patients need additional support beyond clinical care. We offer patients and their loved ones a variety of support groups, including a Cancer Caregiver Support Group, Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group, and many more.

Browse our Support Groups.

Neurogenetic Oncology Program

The Stanford Clinical Neurogenetic Oncology Program is the first clinic in Northern California to offer world-class care for patients with clinical neurogenetic disorders, which can cause tumors to grow inside the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin and skeletal bones.

Meet Our Director

"These patients may have many surgeries, so it's important to be as minimalistic as possible in our treatment approach. At the Neurogenetics Clinic, we're trying to make it as easy as possible for our patients. We want to take the burden off them." 

Steven D. Chang, MD
Robert C. and Jeannette Powell Neurosciences Professor
Director, Stanford Neurogenetics Program

Dr. Steven Chang received his medical degree from Stanford University. He completed his neurosurgical training at Stanford with a focus on stereotactic radiosurgery, cerebrovascular disease, and brain and spinal tumors. He is recognized as an expert in Cyberknife radiosurgery and surgical resection of brain tumors. Dr. Chang's research interests focus on neurogenetics and proteomics, specifically; neural stem cells, new blood vessel growth and response to radiosurgery, and nanotechnology and microfluidic biochips.

We're Celebrating!

Launched in 2012, the Stanford Clinical Neurogenetics Oncology Program was designed to treat the most difficult cases of neurogenetic conditions. Ten years later, our Program is still among a select group of programs worldwide, providing cutting-edge, expert care. Our program has now expanded to include pediatric neurosurgeons, to ensure a smoother transition of care from childhood to adulthood. In addition, we’ve expanded our team to include five genetic counselors, that help patients before and during pregnancy. 2022 marks our Program’s 10th Anniversary, and we are incredibly proud of our program’s success, and our continuing ability to provide excellent care to patients with some of the most rare and most complex neurogenetic disorders.