title: Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: a systematic update on clinical trials and biology.
abstract: Patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) have a poor prognosis. Although DIPG constitute only 10-15% of all pediatric brain tumors, they are the main cause of death in this group. Despite 26 clinical trials in newly diagnosed DIPG in the past 5years (including several targeted agents), there is no clear improvement in prognosis. However, knowledge on DIPG biology is increasing, mainly due to the (re)introduction of biopsies and autopsies, the possibility of gene expression profiling, and the development of in vivo models. Translation of this knowledge into clinical trials in combination with improved drug distribution methods may eventually lead to more effective treatment of this devastating disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mh.jansen@vumc.nl
authors.forename: M H A
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jansen
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: van Vuurden
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Vandertop
authors.forename: G J L
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Kaspers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D011149:Pons / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents