New Developments in the Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Targeting, and Treatment of H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma

Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 21;13(21):5280. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215280.

Abstract

H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are rare childhood central nervous system tumors that carry a dismal prognosis. Thus, innovative treatment approaches are greatly needed to improve clinical outcomes for these patients. Here, we discuss current trends in research of H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma. This review highlights new developments of molecular pathophysiology for these tumors, as they relate to epigenetics and therapeutic targeting. We focus our discussion on combinatorial therapies addressing the inherent complexity of treating H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas and incorporating recent advances in immunotherapy, molecular biology, genetics, radiation, and stereotaxic surgical diagnostics.

Keywords: H3K27M-mutant; biopsy; chemotherapy; diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG); diffuse midline glioma; immunotherapy; radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review