Related Experiment Videos
Brain stem gliomas: therapeutic options at time of recurrence
1Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Abstract:
Despite contentions to the contrary, the majority of children with recurrent brain stem gliomas survive for at least 3 months after first relapse. Treatment can be undertaken and response determined, especially if brain stem necrosis is taken into consideration. Relatively few patients have been treated on well-designed studies accruing adequate numbers of patients. No conventional salvage therapy exists. Adequate studies with innovation approaches are needed to help individual patients, families and future generations of children with brain stem gliomas.
Insights
Most children with recurrent brain stem gliomas survive past 3 months post-relapse. Effective treatment and response assessment are possible, but innovative studies are crucial for future pediatric brain stem glioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-Oncology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Recurrent brain stem gliomas pose significant challenges in pediatric oncology.
- Survival rates and treatment efficacy for relapsed disease are often underestimated.
- Brain stem necrosis complicates treatment response assessment.