Article

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: a systematic update on clinical trials and biology.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Cancer treatment reviews (impact factor: 5.3). 07/2011; 38(1):27-35. DOI:10.1016/j.ctrv.2011.06.007 pp.27-35
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) have a poor prognosis. Although DIPG constitute only 10-15% of all pediatric brain tumors, they are the main cause of death in this group. Despite 26 clinical trials in newly diagnosed DIPG in the past 5years (including several targeted agents), there is no clear improvement in prognosis. However, knowledge on DIPG biology is increasing, mainly due to the (re)introduction of biopsies and autopsies, the possibility of gene expression profiling, and the development of in vivo models. Translation of this knowledge into clinical trials in combination with improved drug distribution methods may eventually lead to more effective treatment of this devastating disease.

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Keywords

biopsies
 
devastating disease
 
diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas
 
DIPG
 
DIPG biology
 
gene expression profiling
 
main cause
 
pediatric brain tumors
 
poor prognosis
 
prognosis
 
targeted agents
 
vivo models