New method improves pediatric brain tumor diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to profile brain tumors in children. This advancement could lead to better diagnostics and treatment options for these cancers. The new diagnostic platform analyzes brain tumors by examining the body's immune response to cancer. This is in addition to traditional methods that look at the tumors' genetic and microscopic features. By understanding the immune response, doctors can tailor treatments to each child's unique needs, similar to successful therapies used for childhood leukemia. Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children and carries a high mortality rate. These tumors are challenging to treat due to their diversity and resistance to existing therapies. Unlike leukemia, which has seen improved survival rates thanks to immune-based therapies, brain tumors still face many obstacles. The research team, led by Dr. Itay Raphael, studied nearly 1,000 samples of pediatric brain tumors. They found that more aggressive tumors often have less T cell expansion, suggesting that understanding T cell responses could inform treatment decisions and patient outcomes. The findings also highlight potential avenues for new immunotherapies that target specific cancer antigens. Senior author Dr. Gary Kohanbash noted that this research could significantly impact how pediatric brain tumors are diagnosed and treated in the future. UPMC Children's Hospital is focused on advancing brain tumor research and hopes this study marks a turning point in the approach to dealing with these serious conditions.