The NF Clinic Network (NFCN) is the first nationwide network dedicated to improving clinical care and establishing best practices for treating those living with NF. The NFCN recognizes clinics that provide comprehensive medical care to individuals with NF, foster patient education, and encourage participation in clinical research trials and the NF registry.

Established by the Children’s Tumor Foundation in 2007 to standardize and raise the level of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis clinical care nationally and integrate research into clinical care practices, there are now approximately 70 NF Clinics across the country in the network that have demonstrated their ability to provide specialty care to NF patients and their families. Any NF clinic can apply to be a part of the clinic network. Applications are reviewed and accepted or declined by the CTF Clinical Care Advisory Board based on multiple factors, including NF expertise, patient volume, multidisciplinary approach, research support and connections with CTF.

Thanks to input from the NF patient community, the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF), with guidance from our Clinical Care Advisory Board (CCAB), has developed a new Clinic Designation System. This system aims to help families find NF Clinic Network (NFCN) clinics that best suit their specific needs. 

Specialty Program – Clinics meeting the criteria to be admitted into the NFCN are recognized as specialty programs with NF expertise and a commitment to NF care and education.

Comprehensive Center – Clinics demonstrating higher patient volumes, on-site research, and expanded educational activities, are recognized as comprehensive centers with NF expertise and a commitment to NF care, research, and education.

The NFCN Designation System considers various important factors: clinical care, collaboration or support of NF research, education of patients and providers, and community involvement. Each category takes into account expertise in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and/or all forms of schwannomatosis (SWN), including NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN).  NF1 and SWN expertise are considered separately for each category.

For additional questions about the Designation System, please email clinics@ctf.org.