[Pathological Characteristics of Pediatric CNS Tumors]

Over the past decade, molecular biology techniques have identified numerous key genetic mutations in brain tumors. This has improved understanding of disease pathogenesis, and facilitated prognostic prediction, and the development of effective targeted molecular therapies. In 2021, the World Health Organization published the fifth edition of its classification of CNS tumors(WHO 5^th), recommending a reporting format based on an integrated diagnosis combining histopathological and molecular genetic information. The classification of pediatric brain tumors has also advanced significantly, clarifying the disease backgrounds specific to childhood and differences in prevalence. The WHO 5^th classification represents a significant advancement in selecting optimal treatments and recognizing patient groups that share similar clinical characteristics. However, some challenges remain for its implementation in routine clinical practice, including establishing access to molecular genetic testing. Herein, we reviewed the tumor types listed in the WHO 5^th edition that predominantly affect children and adolescents, referring to recently published reports and concepts.