Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas in pediatric patients: management updates

Abstract Background This review explores how diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) diagnosis and treatment have evolved and are improving. Main body Authors used various sources from 2000 to present time to compile information on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in the pediatric population. The following topics were included: diagnosis procedure, molecular analysis, stereotactic biopsy, radiation therapy and other treatments. Historically, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma’s anatomical proximity to crucial brain stem structures prevented biopsy thus limiting diagnostic and molecular analysis. However, with the optimistic rise of the stereotactic biopsy technique, identifying genetic and other biological markers for targeted treatments is more feasible. Previous investigations have identified a histone mutation that appears in 80% of DIPG cases and there is plenty of exploration into how to unravel the effects of the resulting chromatin modification. For example, new pharmaceuticals like Panobinostat and ONC201 show promise. Conclusion Advances in stereotactic biopsy technology have resulted in more accurate diagnosis opening more avenues for molecular analysis and thus, targeted treatments. DIPG requires more exploration to improve outcomes for patients.