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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
A Protocol for Rapid Post-mortem Cell Culture of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma DIPG
Published on: March 7, 2017
Prolonged survival in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma following intensity-modulated radiation therapy: a
Tejshri Telkhade1, Jaishriram Rathored2, Tanushree Budhbaware3
1Department of 'Radiation Oncology', Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, 442001, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) shows promise for extending survival in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) patients. This advanced radiation technique may offer improved outcomes for this aggressive brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Radiation oncology
Background:
- Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive WHO grade IV brainstem tumor primarily affecting children aged 5-10.
- DIPG has a median survival of less than one year and is currently incurable.
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers potential for improved tumor targeting and reduced side effects compared to traditional radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of prolonged survival in a pediatric patient with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
- To highlight the potential benefits of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in managing DIPG.
Main Methods:
- A 9-year-old male diagnosed with DIPG presented with headaches and vomiting.
- Imaging revealed a large, non-enhancing lesion in the brainstem with obstructive hydrocephalus, managed with ventriculoperitoneal shunting.
- The patient received definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to a total dose of 54 Gy in 30 fractions.
Main Results:
- The case report describes prolonged survival in a pediatric patient with DIPG following IMRT.
- Supportive medications were continued post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- This case suggests that modern radiation techniques like IMRT may improve outcomes for pediatric DIPG patients.
- Further research is needed to identify therapy predictors and optimize treatment integration for DIPG.
Background:
The aggressive WHO grade IV brainstem tumors known as diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) primarily strike children between the ages of 5 and 10. Because they are incurable, their median survival is less than a year. While traditional radiation provides short-term discomfort alleviation, more sophisticated methods like as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) have demonstrated potential for enhancing tumor targeting and lowering treatment-related side effects.
Case Presentation:
A 9-year-old Indian male with persistent headaches and vomiting was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) after a large, non-enhancing, altered signal intensity lesion was found in his brain. The lesion was hyperintense on T2WI/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and hypointense on T1WI, causing significant mass effect and resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting to relieve hydrocephalus, but a postoperative computed tomography (CT) showed a hypodense lesion extending from the thalami to the pons. The patient was scheduled for definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to a total dose of 54 Gy in 30 fractions, initiated on December 20, 2022, and completed by January 30, 2023. Supportive medications were continued post-treatment.
Conclusion:
The case report highlights prolonged survival in a pediatric DIPG patient following IMRT, highlighting the potential for improved outcomes with modern radiation techniques. Future research should focus on therapy predictors and treatment integration.
