infant-type hemispheric glioma

Infant-Type Hemispheric Glioma Description

Infant-type hemispheric gliomas (IHGs) are rare high-grade gliomas that primarily affect young children, typically in the first year of life [1]. They usually appear as a huge supratentorial mass with vasogenic edema, exerting a significant mass effect on the surrounding brain tissue [2].

Key Characteristics:

• Rare and high-grade glioma
• Typically affects young children (first year of life)
• Presents as a large supratentorial mass with vasogenic edema
• Exerts significant mass effect on surrounding brain tissue

IHGs are a distinct subgroup of brain tumors with unique molecular features, offering a more favorable prognosis compared to other types of gliomas [3]. They often harbor alterations in the receptor tyrosine kinases ALK, ROS1, NTRK, and MET [7].

References:

[1] Apr 25, 2024 - Infant-type hemispheric gliomas (IHGs) are rare high-grade gliomas affecting young children, primarily in the first year of life. [2] Feb 10, 2022 - An infant-type hemispheric glioma usually appears as a huge supratentorial mass with vasogenic edema, exerting a significant mass effect on the surrounding brain tissue. [3] by N Gene-Olaciregui · 2023 · Cited by 4 — Infant-type hemispheric gliomas (IHGs) represent a subgroup of brain tumors with distinct molecular features and a more favorable prognosis...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Infant-Type Hemispheric Glioma

Infant-type hemispheric gliomas are rare high-grade brain tumors that primarily affect young children, typically in the first year of life. The symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Headache: A headache is one of the most common symptoms, particularly one that hurts the most in the morning [2].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some children may experience nausea and vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure [3].
• Confusion or Decline in Brain Function: As the tumor grows, it can cause confusion, difficulty with coordination, and a decline in brain function [2].
• Weakness or Change in Feeling on One Side of the Body: In some cases, children may experience weakness or a change in feeling on one side of the body due to the tumor's location [5].
• Unusual Sleepiness: Some children may become unusually sleepy or lethargic as a result of the tumor's growth [5].

It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of these symptoms, especially if they suspect that their child has an infant-type hemispheric glioma. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

References: [1] Not applicable (context provided) [2] Context #2 [3] Context #3 [4] Not applicable (context provided) [5] Context #5

Diagnostic Tests for Infant-Type Hemispheric Glioma

Infant-type hemispheric gliomas (IHGs) are rare and aggressive brain tumors that primarily affect young children. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment. Here are the diagnostic tests used to diagnose IHG:

• Histological examination: A biopsy of the tumor tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of high-grade glioma cells (1).
• Molecular genetic analysis: This test helps identify specific genetic mutations or fusions, such as ALK fusion, that are characteristic of IHGs (5).
• Genome-wide methylation profiling and next-generation genomic sequencing: These tests help detect epigenetic changes and genetic alterations in the tumor DNA (6).
• Imaging studies: Brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans can help identify the location and extent of the tumor, as well as any associated complications such as hydrocephalus (7).

Additional Tests for Recurrence

If IHG recurs after initial treatment, additional tests may be performed to determine the extent of recurrence. These include:

• Imaging studies: Repeat brain imaging to assess the size and location of the recurrent tumor.
• Biopsy or re-biopsy: A new biopsy may be taken to confirm the presence of cancer cells and to identify any changes in the genetic profile (9).

Targeted Therapy

Recent research has identified dasatinib as an effective targeted therapy for IHG harboring a GAB1-ABL2 fusion. This finding expands the treatment options for this rare and aggressive tumor type (10).

References:

(1) Apr 25, 2024 — INTRODUCTION (5) May 10, 2024 — Tests will be done to help determine if and where the cancer has returned. (6) Oct 26, 2023 — Retrospective and prospective molecular testing (via genome-wide methylation profiling and next-generation genomic sequencing) (7) by N Gene-Olaciregui · 2023 · Cited by 4 (10) Dec 18, 2023 — Dasatinib is an effective targeted therapy for infant-type hemispheric glioma (IHG) harboring a GAB1-ABL2 fusion.

Treatment Options for Infant-Type Hemispheric Glioma

Infant-type hemispheric gliomas are rare and aggressive brain tumors that primarily affect young children. The treatment options for this condition are still evolving, but several targeted therapies have shown promise in recent studies.

• ALK Inhibitors: Lorlatinib has been found to be an effective targeted therapy for infant-type hemispheric glioma patients harboring ATIC-ALK fusion [3]. Another study has also demonstrated the efficacy of dasatinib in treating IHG with a GAB1-ABL2 fusion, expanding the treatment options for this patient population [4].
• Targeted Therapy: Ribociclib, a drug already used to treat breast cancer, may help slow the growth of diffuse hemispheric glioma (DHG), according to new research [7]. However, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating infant-type hemispheric glioma.
• Surgery and Radiation Therapy: The most common treatment modalities for high-grade gliomas, including infant-type hemispheric glioma, are surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and occasionally chemotherapy [8].
• Other Treatment Options: For children with astrocytomas, other gliomas, and glioneuronal/neuronal tumors, treatment options include observation, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy [6].

It's essential to note that the treatment of infant-type hemispheric glioma is still facing challenges, despite better survival outcomes [2]. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for this rare and aggressive brain tumor.

References:

[1] Gene-Olaciregui N. (2023) - Not directly relevant to the topic [2] Lai M. (2023) - Despite better survival outcomes, the treatment of infant-type hemispheric glioma is still facing challenges. [3] Shahab SW. (2023) - The ALK inhibitor lorlatinib is an effective targeted therapy in infant type hemispheric glioma patients harboring ATIC-ALK fusion. [4] Dasatinib is an effective targeted therapy for infant-type hemispheric glioma (IHG) harboring a GAB1-ABL2 fusion. [5] Infant-type hemispheric gliomas (IHGs) are rare high-grade gliomas affecting young children, primarily in the first year of life. [6] Treatment options for children with astrocytomas, other gliomas, and glioneuronal/neuronal tumors include observation, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. [7] Ribociclib – a drug already used to treat breast cancer – may help slow the growth of diffuse hemispheric glioma (DHG), new research has found. [8] The most common treatment modalities are surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and occasionally chemotherapy.

The differential diagnosis for infant-type hemispheric glioma involves considering several other high-grade brain tumors that can present with similar characteristics.

• Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma/Astrocytoma: This is the closest differential diagnosis for infant-type hemispheric glioma, as it shares radiological similarities with this tumor type [6].
• Ganglioglioma and Ependymoma: These tumors can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant-type hemispheric glioma, particularly due to their high-grade features [5].
• Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT): ATRT is a rare and aggressive brain tumor that can present with similar characteristics to infant-type hemispheric glioma, including high-grade features and a tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue [9].
• Cribriform Neuroepithelial Tumor: This is another rare brain tumor that can be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant-type hemispheric glioma, particularly due to its unique histological features [9].
• Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR): ETMR is a rare and aggressive brain tumor that can present with similar characteristics to infant-type hemispheric glioma, including high-grade features and a tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue [9].

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis for infant-type hemispheric glioma is not exhaustive, and other high-grade gliomas may also be considered in the differential diagnosis.