Pediatric Neuro-oncology

Book excerpt: While the first edition of this book provided a succinct introduction to pediatric neuro-oncology, biological knowledge of childhood CNS tumors has “exploded” over the past few years and a new edition of this textbook is needed to keep it up-to-date. This updated edition will include chapters on cancer predisposition in children with brain tumors, gliomas, embryonal brain tumors, ependymoma, CNS-GCT, targeted therapies in pediatric brain tumors, and long-term sequelae. New developments covered include the following: - Techniques like DNA methylation have improved the diagnostic process, and have led to an integrated diagnosis of histology, ICH and methylation. - Tumor pathways have been detected, which defines more subgroups within a tumor entity, and results in more individualized treatment for the patient. - Therapeutic options outside the standard combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have either been implemented within the last years, or are currently under consideration. This book will be aimed at pediatric oncologists and neurooncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists. Chapters detailing quality of life and supportive care will make this 2nd edition a useful resource for nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists alike.