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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Establishment of Orthotopic Patient-derived Xenograft Models for Brain Tumors using a Stereotaxic Device
Published on: May 2, 2025
Recent advances in the treatment of childhood brain tumors
1Division of Pediatric Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, India. soumenkhatua@aol.com
Abstract:
Pediatric brain tumors are the commonest cause of cancer-related death in children. The last four decades have seen only a 35% increase in 5-year survival rate of children with these tumors. The therapeutic successes achieved are due to advances in neuroimaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and induction of newer chemotherapeutic agents along with molecular targeted therapy. Neuroimaging advances include the use of MRA, MRS, DSA, and PET scans. With the use of stereotactic surgery, intraoperative mapping, and imaging, surgical resection has improved with significant decrease in morbidity. A major development has been the use of precision guided radiotherapy utilizing technologies like 3D-CRT, SRS, and IMRT, thereby decreasing radiation to normal tissues. Induction of newer drugs and high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral stem cell support has improved survival and delayed radiation in younger children and infants with brain tumors. Intense ongoing research is profiling novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Newer therapeutic strategies like blood brain barrier disruption, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are in clinical trials. This review article intends to give the reader an overview of current therapeutic strategies and research involved in the treatment of children with brain tumors.
Insights
Pediatric brain tumor survival has improved due to advances in neuroimaging, surgery, and targeted therapies. Ongoing research explores novel treatments like immunotherapy and gene therapy for improved outcomes in children with brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children.
- The 5-year survival rate for pediatric brain tumors has seen only a modest 35% increase over the past four decades.
- Significant advancements are crucial to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic strategies for pediatric brain tumors.
- To highlight recent advancements in neuroimaging, surgical techniques, and radiotherapy.
- To discuss emerging research and novel therapeutic approaches in pediatric neuro-oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric brain tumor treatment.
- Analysis of advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
- Exploration of ongoing clinical trials and molecular research.
Main Results:
- Improved surgical resection with reduced morbidity through stereotactic surgery and intraoperative imaging.
- Enhanced precision radiotherapy (3D-CRT, SRS, IMRT) minimizes radiation to healthy tissues.
- Newer chemotherapeutic agents, molecular targeted therapy, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support have improved survival rates.
- Emerging strategies including blood-brain barrier disruption, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Multimodal therapeutic strategies combining advanced neuroimaging, surgical techniques, and precision radiotherapy have significantly improved pediatric brain tumor treatment.
- Ongoing research into molecular targets and novel therapies like immunotherapy and gene therapy holds promise for further enhancing survival and quality of life for affected children.
- Continued research and clinical trials are essential to overcome challenges in treating pediatric brain tumors.
