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The molecular oncology of bilateral high-grade thalamic astrocytomas in children

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Abstract

Background

Bilateral thalamic astrocytomas in children are exceedingly rare. These highly malignant tumors seldom respond to conventional treatment strategies and carry a grim prognosis for patients. However, recent advances in molecular oncology have had a positive impact on prognostication and treatment strategies of these tumors.

Case-based review

We present a new case of WHO grade III bilateral thalamic astrocytoma in a child and review the pathophysiology, molecular oncogenesis, and relevant treatment strategies for this rare disease.

Conclusions

High-grade thalamic astrocytomas affecting both thalami pose a challenge to pediatric neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and neuropathologists given the lack of effective treatment strategies. Understanding recent revelations in the field of molecular oncology can assist clinicians in adequately formulating a treatment plan in this patient population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Amir Goodarzi & Marike Zwienenberg

  2. School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Nicholas Garza

  3. Department of Pathology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Mirna Lechpammer

  4. Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Reuben Anthony

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  1. Amir Goodarzi
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Correspondence to Amir Goodarzi.

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Goodarzi, A., Garza, N., Lechpammer, M. et al. The molecular oncology of bilateral high-grade thalamic astrocytomas in children. Childs Nerv Syst 35, 2047–2054 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-019-04372-0

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