[Pediatric Glioma].

Pediatric gliomas include various types of glioma broadly categorized as low- or hi-grade based on histopathological features. Clinically significant types include cerebellar astrocytomas, optic pathway / hypothalamic pilocytic astrocytomas, and brainstem gliomas. Neurosurgical roles vary for different kinds of pediatric gliomas. Since these representative tumors remain rare, the patients should be directed toward facilities with experienced neurosurgeons. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are very important as either adjuvant or primary treatment modalities. Recent advancements in molecular biology have revealed unique genetic aberrations in different types of pediatric gliomas. The RAS/MAPK pathway anomalies, including BRAF-KIAA1549 fusion and BRAF V600E mutation, are present in most low-grade gliomas. BRAF/MEK-inhibitors have yielded promising clinical study results. Diffuse midline gliomas, including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, often harbor H3 mutations such as H3K27M. Agents that target these molecular aberrations are unavailable. Because gliomas in infants are sub-categorized by their genetic abnormalities, novel agents targeting ALK, ROS1, or NTRK fusions are promising treatments.