Treatment options for paediatric brainstem gliomas

Area of Science:

• Pediatric neuro-oncology
• Neurosurgery
• Radiation oncology

Background:

• Paediatric brainstem gliomas (BSGs) are broadly classified into focal (FBSGs) and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG).
• FBSGs represent 20% of BSGs, are typically indolent, and have a good prognosis.
• DIPGs constitute 80% of BSGs, are highly aggressive, malignant brain tumors with a dismal prognosis, and are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and appraise current treatment modalities for pediatric brainstem gliomas (BSGs).
• To highlight the challenges in managing diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) due to their location and aggressive nature.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current treatment strategies for pediatric brainstem gliomas.
• Cataloguing and appraisal of therapies including steroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Main Results:

• Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are highly aggressive with a poor prognosis.
• Treatment of DIPGs is complicated by their location in eloquent brainstem areas.
• A standardized therapeutic framework for DIPGs remains challenging to establish.

Conclusions:

• Current treatment modalities for pediatric brainstem gliomas (BSGs) require further evaluation.
• Improved therapeutic strategies are needed for diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) to improve patient outcomes.