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The role of surgery for optic pathway gliomas in the era of precision medicine

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Abstract

Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) represent a unique subset of brain tumours that primarily affect the paediatric population. Traditionally, these tumours are managed conservatively due to their location to and association with vital structures. This article explores the evolving role of surgery in the management of OPGs, particularly in the context of advancements in precision medicine. The advent of targeted therapy, especially for tumours with specific genetic alterations, such as BRAF V600E mutations, has revolutionized the treatment landscape, offering new avenues for patient-specific therapy. However, surgery still plays a crucial role, especially for debulking in cases of hydrocephalus or when standard therapies are ineffective. Advances in surgical techniques, including neuronavigation, endoscopic approaches, and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, have enhanced the safety and efficacy of operative interventions. Despite these developments, the complexity of OPGs necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on long-term outcomes and quality of life. Future research is needed to further elucidate the role of surgery in an era increasingly dominated by molecular genetics and targeted therapies.

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Funding

This research was supported and funded by the SNUH Kun-hee Lee Child Cancer & Rare Disease Project, Republic of Korea (grant number: 22 A-017-0100).

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S.-K.K. designed the study. J.W.K. and S.-K.K. collected the data. J.W.K. analysed the data and drafted the manuscript. S.-K.K. read and approved the final version for publication. All the authors significantly contributed to the content of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Seung-Ki Kim.

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Kim, J.W., Kim, SK. The role of surgery for optic pathway gliomas in the era of precision medicine. Childs Nerv Syst (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-024-06450-4

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