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Update on new treatments and developments in childhood brain tumors
Sonia Partap1, Paul Graham Fisher
1Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5826, USA. spartap@stanford.edu
Purpose Of Review:
Childhood primary central nervous system tumors remain a therapeutic conundrum. As the second most common pediatric cancer, brain tumors lead to significantly worse survival and long-term effects compared with those seen with hematologic malignancies and other solid tumors. This review discusses current management strategies in three pediatric brain tumors, the long-term effects of therapy, as well as novel laboratory findings that may alter future treatment strategies.
Recent Findings:
The current literature focuses on tactics to predict those at risk of treatment failure and long-term effects. By analyzing tumors at a molecular genetics level rather than traditional histology, new data have begun to emerge on methods to begin to consider targeted therapies, tailored to the individual child. Furthermore, as survivorship has improved with current radiation and chemotherapy regimens, long-term effects have been identified and merit clinical attention.
Summary:
Even though long-term survival for children with a brain tumor approaches 70%, the need for improved treatment regimens is striking. Secondary malignancies, neurocognitive deficits and treatment failure continue to afflict these children and young adults. The current review will inform clinicians of the challenges faced by basic scientists and clinicians when treating brain tumors, and point to future research directions.
Insights
Childhood brain tumors are a major challenge, with current treatments offering a 70% survival rate but causing significant long-term effects. Future strategies focus on molecular genetics for targeted therapies to improve outcomes and reduce secondary health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Childhood primary central nervous system tumors are the second most common pediatric cancer.
- These brain tumors are associated with significantly worse survival and long-term effects compared to other childhood cancers.
- Current management strategies present a therapeutic conundrum for clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for three common pediatric brain tumors.
- To discuss the long-term effects of existing therapies.
- To highlight novel laboratory findings that may inform future treatment approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current management strategies and long-term effects.
- Analysis of molecular genetics data for pediatric brain tumors.
- Examination of emerging laboratory findings and targeted therapy research.
Main Results:
- Focus on predicting treatment failure and long-term effects through molecular genetics.
- Emerging data suggest potential for targeted therapies tailored to individual pediatric patients.
- Improved survivorship with current regimens has highlighted the clinical significance of long-term treatment effects.
Conclusions:
- Despite a 70% long-term survival rate, improved treatment regimens for pediatric brain tumors are urgently needed.
- Secondary malignancies and neurocognitive deficits remain significant challenges for survivors.
- The review aims to inform clinicians about challenges and guide future research directions in pediatric neuro-oncology.
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