Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Practical Considerations in Studying Metastatic Lung Colonization in Osteosarcoma Using the Pulmonary Metastasis Assay
Published on: March 12, 2018
Brain metastases in paediatric solid tumours
S L Spunt1, S J Thompson, A S Pappo
1Department of Haematology-Oncology St Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, Memphis 38105-2794, USA.
Insights
Brain metastases are rare in pediatric cancer, typically indicating advanced disease. This review covers common childhood tumors like neuroblastoma and sarcomas that spread to the brain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-Oncology
- Cancer Metastasis
Background:
- Brain metastases are uncommon in children, occurring in 5-10% of cases, unlike in adults.
- The occurrence of brain tumors in children often signifies advanced cancer progression at other sites.
- Understanding the patterns of brain metastasis is crucial for managing pediatric cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical features of common pediatric solid tumors that metastasize to the brain.
- To provide an overview of neuroblastoma, musculoskeletal sarcomas, germ cell tumors, and melanoma in the context of brain metastasis.
- To enhance the understanding of rare but significant brain metastases in pediatric oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric solid tumors with brain metastasis.
- Summary of clinical presentations and characteristics.
- Focus on common primary tumor types including neuroblastoma, sarcomas, germ cell tumors, and melanoma.
Main Results:
- Pediatric brain metastases are infrequent, usually appearing with advanced disease.
- Common primary tumors include neuroblastoma, musculoskeletal sarcomas, germ cell tumors, and melanoma.
- Clinical features vary depending on the primary tumor type.
Conclusions:
- Brain metastases in children are rare but serious indicators of advanced disease.
- Key pediatric tumors like neuroblastoma and sarcomas frequently spread to the brain.
- Further research into the mechanisms and management of pediatric brain metastases is warranted.
Abstract:
Brain metastases in children with cancer are rare and their incidence is significantly lower (5-10%) than that reported in adults. The development of metastatic brain tumours in children is usually a manifestation of advanced disease and commonly occur after, or at the time of progression at other sites. This review summarises the salient clinical features of the most common paediatric solid tumours that metastasize to the brain including neuroblastoma, musculoskeletal sarcomas, germ cell tumours and melanoma.
