Management Strategies for Pediatric Brain Tumors: Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Beyond

Pediatric brain tumors encompass a diverse group of neoplastic conditions that arise within the central nervous system (CNS) of children. They are the most common solid tumors in children, accounting for a substantial proportion of childhood cancers. The clinical presentation of pediatric brain tumors depends on various factors, including the tumor’s location, size, and growth rate. Common brain tumor symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, seizures, focal neurological deficits, altered mental status, and developmental delays. 

These tumors can vary significantly in terms of histology, location, and prognosis, necessitating specialized management and care.

Approaches for Effectual Management 

Managing pediatric brain tumors requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach involving a team of healthcare professionals with expertise in neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. Successful management aims to maximize tumor control while minimizing treatment-related complications and optimizing long-term outcomes.

• Accurate Diagnosis and Risk Stratification 

Accurate diagnosis and precise characterization of pediatric brain tumors are crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies. The diagnostic procedure may involve clinical evaluation, neuro-imaging, histopathological analysis, molecular profiling, and genetic testing that help classify tumors into specific subtypes, enabling risk stratification and individualized treatment planning. Advanced imaging techniques, such as functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, aid in delineating tumor boundaries and assessing the risk of surgical resection. 

When there is a suspicion of a brain tumor in the child, the doctor may suggest various tests and procedures to aid in brain tumor diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. These diagnostic measures include:

Neurological examination: A comprehensive neurological study assesses the child’s vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. Difficulties observed in specific areas can provide valuable insights into the part of the brain that may be affected by the tumor.

Imaging tests: Imaging techniques are employed to determine the location and size of the brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently utilized and may be complemented by specialized MRI techniques such as functional MRI or magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Other imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET), may also be recommended.

Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample for further testing. If the tumor is difficult to reach or situated in a delicate area that could be affected by surgery, a stereotactic needle biopsy may be done instead. 

Precision medicine diagnosis: Besides the usual biopsy examination, tumor tissue can also be tested for genetic mutations and molecular properties. This precision brain tumor medicine approach enables tailored treatment options, such as targeted drug therapies, based on the specific genetic alterations and molecular profile of the tumor.

Tests for metastasis: If there is a suspicion that the brain tumor may result from cancer spreading from another part of the body, additional tests and procedures may be recommended. These tests aim to identify the primary site of cancer and determine if it has spread to the brain.

• Management and Treatment Modalities

The management of pediatric brain tumors requires a multimodal approach tailored to the tumor type, location, and individual patient factors. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The optimal treatment plan aims to maximize tumor control while minimizing treatment-related side effects and long-term sequelae. 

Surgical Intervention: Surgery plays a vital role in removing tumors accessible for operation, and the extent of tumor resection depends on its location and surrounding structures. Brain tumor surgery is performed whenever possible to remove the tumor, either partially or entirely.

Radiation Therapy is often employed to manage pediatric brain tumors, particularly for high-grade or recurrent tumors, tumors with residual disease, or tumors in anatomically challenging locations. Radiation therapy, including traditional and proton beam therapy, targets and destroys tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. 

Radiosurgery, a highly focused form of radiation treatment, may be employed for small tumors. 

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of pediatric brain tumors. It may be used as adjuvant therapy following surgery and radiation, as neoadjuvant therapy to shrink tumors before surgery, or as the primary treatment modality for specific tumor types. Combination chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies are being explored in clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes.

• Recovery and Rehabilitation 

After undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping children regain lost abilities and adapt to any changes caused by the tumor. Depending on the specific areas of the brain affected, the doctor may recommend various services and therapies to support the child’s recovery.

Physical therapy focuses on helping children regain motor skills and muscle strength that may have been affected by the brain tumor. 

Occupational therapy aims to assist children in returning to their daily activities and routines. It provides strategies and exercises to enhance fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and self-care skills. Therapists may recommend adaptive equipment or modifications to help the child navigate challenges and regain independence.

Speech therapy can be highly beneficial if the child experiences speech, language, or swallowing difficulties due to a brain tumor. 

Tutoring and educational support assist in reviving the child’s cognitive abilities. Specialized educators can help develop strategies to accommodate learning difficulties and provide tailored instruction to promote academic progress.

• Long-Term Follow-up and Survivorship Care

Long-term follow-up care is essential for pediatric brain tumor survivors. Regular monitoring, neurocognitive assessments, and imaging surveillance help detect disease recurrence and manage treatment-related late effects. Survivorship clinics provide specialized care focused on addressing potential late effects, educational support, psychosocial support, and facilitating the transition to adult healthcare.