Potential of Molecular Targeted Therapies in Childhood Brain Tumors (BRAF Inhibitors)

Brain tumors are the most common tumors in childhood, secondary only to leukemia as the most frequent malignancies in that age group. Large multicenter treatment protocols have resulted in cures higher than 80% in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other hematological malignancies. Unfortunately, in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors the success lags behind. Molecular markers to predict treatment response already at diagnosis have been successfully implemented to determine appropriate treatment intensity for the individual patient with leukemia. Thus, molecular information helps to identify patients with aggr…