Diffuse Midline Gliomas: Challenges and New Strategies in a Changing Clinical Landscape.

TitleDiffuse Midline Gliomas: Challenges and New Strategies in a Changing Clinical Landscape.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsTosi U, Souweidane M
JournalCancers (Basel)
Volume16
Issue1
Date Published2024 Jan 02
ISSN2072-6694
Abstract

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) was first described by Harvey Cushing, the father of modern neurosurgery, a century ago. Since then, the classification of this tumor changed significantly, as it is now part of the broader family of diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), a heterogeneous group of tumors of midline structures encompassing the entire rostro-caudal space, from the thalamus to the spinal cord. DMGs are characterized by various epigenetic events that lead to chromatin remodeling similarities, as two decades of studies made possible by increased tissue availability showed. This new understanding of tumor (epi)biology is now driving novel clinical trials that rely on targeted agents, with finally real hopes for a change in an otherwise unforgiving prognosis. This biological discovery is being paralleled with equally exciting work in therapeutic drug delivery. Invasive and noninvasive platforms have been central to early phase clinical trials with a promising safety track record and anecdotal benefits in outcome.

DOI10.3390/cancers16010219
Alternate JournalCancers (Basel)
PubMed ID38201646
PubMed Central IDPMC10778507
Grant ListP30 CA008748 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States