Low-grade Gliomas in Children

Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are primary tumors of the central nervous system, originating from malignant transformation of cells in the brain or spinal cord. They are distinct from metastatic cancers that spread to the CNS from other parts of the body. While low-grade gliomas can occur throughout the nervous system, they are most commonly found in the cerebellum and central regions of the cerebrum, including the optic pathway and hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The growth of low-grade gliomas varies, with some tumors growing slowly and remaining localized, while others may progress rapidly and aggressively. Due to the limited space within the skull, the growth of a tumor can potentially damage critical areas of the brain, posing a risk to the patient's life. Although the risk of metastasis through the cerebrospinal fluid is generally low, children diagnosed with optic pathway gliomas at a young age may have a slightly increased risk of developing metastases. Research focus on new targets to treat this rare group of brain cancer in childhood.