Related Experiment Videos
Neonatal brain tumors: a review
C M Mazewski1, R J Hudgins, A Reisner
1Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA. CMAZWSKI@SRCMC.ORG
Insights
This review covers congenital and neonatal brain tumors in infants, discussing their unique epidemiology, presentation, and management. It emphasizes coordinated care via multidisciplinary programs and research participation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-Oncology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Congenital and neonatal brain tumors are rare but present unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
- Understanding the distinct epidemiological and clinical features of these early-onset tumors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present two cases of infantile brain tumors.
- To review the existing literature on congenital and neonatal brain tumors.
- To highlight differences between neonatal and childhood brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Comprehensive literature review focusing on epidemiology, presentation, prognosis, and management.
- Comparative analysis of neonatal versus childhood brain tumors.
Main Results:
- Infants with brain tumors exhibit specific epidemiological and clinical characteristics.
- Neonatal brain tumors differ significantly from those diagnosed later in childhood.
- Effective management requires specialized, multidisciplinary approaches.
Conclusions:
- Coordination of care through pediatric multidisciplinary neuro-oncology programs is essential.
- Encouraging enrollment in clinical trials can advance treatment strategies.
- Submitting tumor tissue to biobanks supports future research endeavors.
Abstract:
This article presents two cases of infants with brain tumors and reviews the literature pertinent to congenital and neonatal brain tumors. Information regarding epidemiology, presentation, prognosis, and clinical management are also addressed with specific regard to differences between neonatal and childhood brain tumors. An appeal is made to consider (1) coordination of the care of these children through pediatric multidisciplinary neuro-oncology programs; (2) enrollment, whenever possible, in clinical trials; and (3) submission of available tumor tissue to pediatric tumor banks to assure its availability to interested researchers.