Precision Medicine in Pediatric Neurooncology: A Review

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2018 Jan 17;9(1):11-28. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00388. Epub 2017 Dec 27.

Abstract

Central nervous system tumors are the leading cause of cancer related death in children. Despite much progress in the field of pediatric neurooncology, modern combination treatment regimens often result in significant late effects, such as neurocognitive deficits, endocrine dysfunction, secondary malignancies, and a host of other chronic health problems. Precision medicine strategies applied to pediatric neurooncology target specific characteristics of individual patients' tumors to achieve maximal killing of neoplastic cells while minimizing unwanted adverse effects. Here, we review emerging trends and the current literature that have guided the development of new molecularly based classification schemas, promising diagnostic techniques, targeted therapies, and delivery platforms for the treatment of pediatric central nervous system tumors.

Keywords: Precision medicine; neurooncology; pediatrics; review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / classification
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Precision Medicine*