Our mission
To give every person with neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis expert, coordinated care across their whole life — and to advance the treatments that will change what these conditions mean for the next generation.
A nationally recognized center
The Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) designates a small number of centers nationally as Comprehensive NF1 and Schwannomatosis Centers. The designation recognizes multidisciplinary clinical care, research, and patient support that meet CTF's highest standard. UCSF is the only CTF Comprehensive Center in California.
How our care model works
- Pediatric–adult dyad. Paired pediatric and adult NF clinics share patients, records, and treatment philosophy. Teens and young adults move to adult care on a planned schedule, not an abrupt cutoff.
- Multidisciplinary tumor board. Specialists review complex cases together, so surgery, medical therapy, and surveillance decisions are made as a team.
- Molecular diagnostics. UCSF500 tumor sequencing informs diagnosis and treatment choices when a tumor is biopsied or removed.
- Whole-person support. Neuropsychology, social work, caregiver support, and survivorship services are part of care, not add-ons.
Who we care for
| Condition | What it is | Typical care needs |
|---|---|---|
| NF1 | Most common form; affects about 1 in 3,000 people | Plexiform neurofibromas, optic pathway and other gliomas, learning and attention differences, MPNST surveillance |
| NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) | Previously called NF2 | Bilateral vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, spinal tumors, hearing preservation |
| Schwannomatosis (non-NF2) | Includes SMARCB1- and LZTR1-related forms | Multiple schwannomas, chronic pain management |
Part of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center
The NF Center sits within the UCSF Brain Tumor Center, an internationally recognized program of excellence.