Infantile Brain Tumors: A Review of Literature and Future Perspectives
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Published on: May 2, 2025
Valeria Simone1, Daniela Rizzo1, Alessandro Cocciolo1
1Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
Insights
Brain tumors in infants are rare and present unique challenges. Molecular characterization is key to improving diagnosis and developing targeted therapies for better infant brain tumor outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Infant brain tumors constitute less than 10% of pediatric nervous system tumors.
- These tumors exhibit distinct clinical, pathological, and histological features compared to older children.
- Common symptoms include macrocephaly, though non-specific signs may also be present, often with a poor prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of infant brain tumors.
- To emphasize the significance of molecular characterization in understanding these tumors.
- To explore potential future clinical applications of molecular insights.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent studies in infant brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, histological findings, and current therapeutic strategies.
- Examination of the evolving molecular landscape of infant brain tumors.
Main Results:
- Infant brain tumors present unique clinical and histological characteristics.
- Surgery remains the primary treatment, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy roles being less defined.
- Molecular profiling is emerging as crucial for understanding tumor biology.
Conclusions:
- Molecular characterization holds promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets in infant brain tumors.
- Advances in understanding the molecular landscape can guide future treatment strategies.
- Personalized therapeutic approaches based on molecular data are essential for improving outcomes.
Abstract:
Brain tumors in infants including those diagnosed in fetal age, newborns and under a year old represent less than 10% of pediatric nervous system tumors and present differently when compared with older children in terms of clinical traits, location and histology. The most frequent clinical finding is a macrocephaly but non-specific symptoms can also be associated. The prognosis is usually poor and depends on several factors. Surgery continues to be the main option in terms of therapeutic strategies whereas the role of chemotherapy is not yet well defined and radiotherapy is exceptionally undertaken. In view of this situation, a molecular characterization could assist in providing therapeutic options for these tumors. This review highlights the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in infants with a particular focus on the molecular landscape and future clinical applications.
