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An Overview of Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas

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Pediatric Cancer, Volume 2

Part of the book series: Pediatric Cancer ((PECA,volume 2))

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Abstract

High-grade gliomas represent approximately 10% of all pediatric brain tumors. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas are a distinct clinical entity in pediatrics and accounts for another 10% of central nervous system tumors in children. Pediatric patients with high-grade gliomas or diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas have a very poor prognosis despite a variety of aggressive therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Though these tumors behave similarly to adult high-grade gliomas, there are important differences in the molecular biology of high-grade gliomas between children and adults. In this chapter, we present an overview of both pediatric high-grade gliomas as well as diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. We focus upon their epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation and biologic features. In addition, we discuss treatment approaches, prognostic factors, outcomes and future research directions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Children’s Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children’s Plaza, 30, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA

    Rishi R. Lulla & Jason Fangusaro

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  1. Rishi R. Lulla
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  2. Jason Fangusaro
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Correspondence to Rishi R. Lulla .

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  1. , Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Morris Avenue 1000, Union, 07083, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Lulla, R.R., Fangusaro, J. (2012). An Overview of Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Pediatric Cancer, Volume 2. Pediatric Cancer, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2957-5_26

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