Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Establishment of Orthotopic Patient-derived Xenograft Models for Brain Tumors using a Stereotaxic Device
Published on: May 2, 2025
Nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors
Mahmoud Rashidi1, Victor Reis DaSilva, Alireza Minagar
1Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric brain tumors are common, with many nonmalignant types showing a good prognosis. This review covers common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors, improving patient outlooks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Brain tumors represent the most frequent solid neoplasms in children.
- Approximately 1500-2000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed annually.
- Half of all pediatric brain tumors are malignant, while the other half are nonmalignant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, histopathology, genetics, clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and treatment of common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors.
- To highlight the favorable prognosis associated with many of these entities.
- To underscore recent therapeutic advancements.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors.
- Inclusion of specific tumor types: low-grade astrocytomas (cerebellar astrocytoma, optic pathway glioma), subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, central neurocytomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, choroid plexus papilloma, and craniopharyngioma.
Main Results:
- Nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors encompass diverse pathologic entities with unique clinical features.
- Many of these tumors exhibit a favorable prognosis.
- Advances in management have significantly improved outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the characteristics of nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors is crucial for effective management.
- Continued research and therapeutic innovation are enhancing patient prognoses.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers.
Abstract:
Brain tumors are the most common solid neoplasms in the pediatric population. Each year in the United States, approximately 1500 to 2000 children are affected by one of these tumors. About 50% of pediatric brain tumors are malignant. Nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors comprise an eclectic group of pathologic entities that have fascinating clinical features. Many of these tumors demonstrate a favorable prognosis. In this report, we review the epidemiology, histopathology, genetics, clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and treatment of the common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors, including low grade astrocytomas (such as cerebellar astrocytoma and optic pathway glioma), subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, central neurocytomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, choroid plexus papilloma, and craniopharyngioma. Advances in the therapeutic management of patients with these tumors have considerably improved their prognosis.
