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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Isolation, Enrichment, and Maintenance of Medulloblastoma Stem Cells
Published on: September 1, 2010
Biomarkers of Treatment Response in Paediatric Medulloblastoma
Mirgul Bayanova1, Timur Saliev2, Askhat Zhakupov1
1Department of Clinical and Genetic Diagnostics, University Medical Center, Corporate Fund, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Abstract:
Paediatric medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour in children, exhibiting substantial biological heterogeneity that drives variable treatment outcomes. Despite advances in multimodal therapy, treatment-related morbidity remains a critical concern, underscoring the need for biomarkers to guide precision therapy. This review synthesises current knowledge on biomarkers of treatment response, encompassing molecular, epigenetic, transcriptomic, protein, and imaging-based markers. WNT-activated tumours show excellent prognosis and are candidates for therapy de-escalation; SHH-driven tumours demonstrate age-dependent outcomes influenced by TP53 status; Group 3 tumours carry the poorest prognosis; and Group 4 tumours display highly variable outcomes. DNA methylation profiles, transcriptional programs, and non-coding RNAs provide additional predictive insights. Protein biomarkers and advanced imaging, including liquid biopsy and radiomics, offer minimally invasive approaches for real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy. The review also addresses challenges such as intra-tumour heterogeneity, limited tissue availability, technical variability, and ethical considerations in paediatric oncology. Finally, we explore future directions, highlighting integrative, longitudinal, and ethically grounded biomarker strategies that have the potential to optimise therapy, minimise long-term toxicity, and improve both survival and quality of life for children with medulloblastoma.
Insights
Biomarkers are crucial for tailoring paediatric medulloblastoma treatment. Identifying specific molecular and imaging markers can improve therapy effectiveness and reduce long-term side effects in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Paediatric medulloblastoma is a heterogeneous childhood brain tumor with variable outcomes.
- Current multimodal therapies have limitations regarding treatment-related morbidity.
- There is a critical need for biomarkers to guide precision therapy in pediatric medulloblastoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on biomarkers for treatment response in paediatric medulloblastoma.
- To explore diverse marker types including molecular, epigenetic, transcriptomic, protein, and imaging-based approaches.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in pediatric medulloblastoma biomarker research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on medulloblastoma biomarkers.
- Analysis of molecular (WNT, SHH, Group 3, Group 4), epigenetic, transcriptomic, and protein markers.
- Inclusion of advanced imaging techniques like radiomics and liquid biopsy.
Main Results:
- Specific molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, Group 4) show distinct prognoses and treatment implications.
- DNA methylation, transcriptional programs, and non-coding RNAs offer predictive insights.
- Protein biomarkers and advanced imaging provide minimally invasive monitoring of treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Biomarker-driven precision therapy can optimize treatment and minimize toxicity in paediatric medulloblastoma.
- Addressing challenges like heterogeneity and data limitations is crucial for future biomarker development.
- Integrative, longitudinal, and ethical biomarker strategies are essential for improving survival and quality of life.
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