Optic Pathway Glioma: Current Treatment Approaches and Ongoing Clinical Trials

Optic pathway glioma (OPG) is a rare pediatric low-grade glioma, frequently associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), that presents unique therapeutic challenges due to its anatomical location and its potential to impair vision, endocrine function, and developmental trajectories. Current clinical management prioritizes a multidisciplinary, patient-specific approach aimed at tumor control while preserving long-term quality of life. Strategies vary based on clinical presentation, ranging from observation in asymptomatic cases to chemotherapy for progressive or symptomatic tumors. Surgical and radiation options are limited due to potential risks and complications. In recent years, advances in molecular characterization have guided the development of targeted therapies, particularly MEK inhibitors, which demonstrate encouraging efficacy and reduced toxicity profiles. In parallel, investigational therapies including immunotherapy and precision medicine-based approaches are under clinical evaluation. This review provides a synthesis of current standard practices, emerging targeted treatments, and ongoing clinical trials, drawing on relevant literature and expert consensus to inform clinicians and families about available therapeutic options. Literature discussed in this review was identified through a non-systematic search of published articles, clinical trial registries, and authoritative guidelines, with selection based on relevance, clinical significance, and contribution to understanding current and emerging management strategies for OPG.