Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Pediatric Diffuse Astrocytomas: Independent Validation of Proteomic Analysis

Brain tumors are the most common cause of pediatric cancer-related death in the United States, and glial tumors (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, etc.) are the most common class of pediatric brain tumors. Adult low-grade diffuse astrocytomas nearly always transform into deadly, high grade glioblastomas, while pediatric tumors of the same kind are much less likely to do so. Of low-grade pediatric tumors that do not transform into high grade glioblastomas, 80% will continue to grow and progress, perhaps requiring multiple interventions. Pediatric diffuse astrocytomas are particularly hard to remove in surgery because they infiltrate normal brain tissue. Using the Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas, researchers will conduct comparisons of tumors from children, adolescents, and young adults. Understanding the differences in how these tumors grow across age groups will help inform diagnostics and clinical care for pediatric brain cancer patients with glial tumors.