Connect
Description
An overview of treatment options for children with low grade gliomas is discussed. The webinar features Mayo Clinic Pediatric Neurosurgeon, David Daniels, M.D., and Mayo Clinic Pediatric Neurologist, Gesina Keating, M.D.. Both physicians discuss diagnosis and treatment options including: observation, surgery and chemotherapy. Follow-up care for children with low grade gliomas is also be discussed including: Pilocytic Astrocytomas, Gangliogliomas, DNETs and other low grade brain tumors. After the presentation Dr. Daniels and Dr. Keating answered questions.
Would you like to:
Like
Helpful
Hug
Connect
In regards to a sporadic DNET, there is no evidence to support a genetic abnormality that can be seen across generations. There are tumor disorders such as neurofibromatosis 1 and 2, that can be seen across generations, but other tumor types are common, such as pilocytic astrocytomas, acoustic neuromas, etc.
How are adult and pediatric brain tumors different?
There are many differences and this would take a considerable amount of time to discuss this in detail. We will briefly mention a few of the important ideas. Low grade brain tumors, including pilocytic astrocytomas, DNETs, gangliogliomas, are more common in children then adults. These tumors can be cured by simply taking the whole tumor out in most cases. These tumors do not turn into higher grade tumors with time. In contrast, most low grade gliomas in adults are grade 2 infiltrating astrocytomas, and despite a gross total resection, do reoccur and with time, turn into higher grade tumors. Additionally, when children become young adults, the factors that previously drove tumor growth, are no longer present and most residual tumors remain quiet for the remainder of time.
What are some of the major differences (pathology, rate of recurrence, viable treatment options, etc.) between pilocytic and fibrillary astrocytomas?
My 4yo son has 7 JPA tumors. Several are inoperable (optic nerve, brain stem, near pituitary) so there is no point in operating on the others. So far carbo/vinc has kept them in their place. We've been told he doesn't fall into the typical 90% success rate but that he will likely live with multiple therapies (various chemo, radiation, possible surgery) as he does progress in years. Most of the docs from various hospitals have not seen many with his situation. Two questions: 1) having so many tumors, is it possible that some are a different grade/type than the one biopsied and 2) can you offer any insight or experience with what we might expect of our future?
I posted a question after the webinar and Dr. Daniels responded that he could review my daughter's MRIs. What address can I send these for him to look at ? Would I send an initial diagnostic MRI and her most recent one? Thank you
Liz
Hi @mommydevins. I will follow-up and get back to you through a private message.
Is it possible for dnet brain tumors to grow back?
Hi @nellie7, while it is possible for DNET tumors to come back (recurrence), the majority of patients do not experience recurrence. Are you concerned that a tumor has returned?
I am not sure. I just seem to occasionally experience the "aura" that i used to experience right before my seizures but a seizure does not occur.