Pediatric high-grade glioma: current molecular landscape and therapeutic approaches

J Neurooncol. 2017 Sep;134(3):541-549. doi: 10.1007/s11060-017-2393-0. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Abstract

High-grade pediatric central nervous system glial tumors are comprised primarily of anaplastic astrocytomas (AA, WHO grade III) and glioblastomas (GBM, WHO grade IV). High-grade gliomas are most commonly diagnosed in the primary setting in children, but as in adults, they can also arise as a result of transformation of a low-grade malignancy, though with limited frequency in the pediatric population. The molecular genetics of high-grade gliomas in the pediatric population are distinct from their adult counterparts. In contrast to the adult population, high-grade gliomas in children are relatively infrequent, representing less than 20% of cases.

Keywords: Pediatric astrocytoma; Pediatric brain tumor; Pediatric glioblastoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Child
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma / metabolism*
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Glioma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Grading