Durham Child Diagnosed with Rare Brain Tumor

An eight-year-old Durham resident has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized, geometric medical building facade, symbolizing the gravity of institutional medical care. — Eight-year-old Janson Herring of Durham has been diagnosed with DIPG, an aggressive childhood brain cancer, as his family seeks specialized treatment trials. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Janson Herring, an eight-year-old boy, received a diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) after a scan identified a mass on his brainstem. He is currently hospitalized at Duke Children's Hospital in Durham.

Why it matters

DIPG is a challenging diagnosis for families, and specialized clinical trials are often required to seek advanced treatment options. The community is rallying to support the family as they navigate medical care.

DIPG affects approximately 150 to 300 children in the United States every year, with the condition most frequently appearing in children between ages 5 and 10. Treatment for the patient is expected to include a 6-week course of radiation therapy.

The players

Janson Herring

He is an eight-year-old child currently receiving care for a brainstem tumor at a Durham hospital.

Duke Children's Hospital

This Durham-based medical facility is the site where the patient is currently hospitalized for treatment.

Seattle Children's Hospital

This medical center serves as the proposed location for a clinical trial lasting seven to nine months.

WakeMed

This healthcare provider performed the initial CT scan that identified the presence of a mass on the brainstem.

The details

After the family observed headaches, balance issues, and speech changes, a CT scan at WakeMed confirmed a mass on the child's brainstem. The family is now seeking to enroll Janson in a clinical trial at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Janson Herring received his diagnosis in September 2026.

The Big Picture

This case follows a pattern set by the clinical trial protocols at Seattle Children's Hospital.

The family's pursuit of a clinical trial highlights the specialized care often required for rare pediatric conditions. Patients and families in similar situations may face logistical challenges and travel requirements for specialized treatment protocols.

The takeaway

DIPG remains one of the most difficult childhood diagnoses, necessitating long-term treatment planning and support. Clinical trials represent a vital pathway for families seeking to access the latest experimental research.