How is diffuse pontine glioma treated?
These tumours are treated with radiation therapy, which are high-energy X-rays, gamma rays, or electrons that destroy tumour
cells. This treatment can reduce symptoms significantly, but there may be some permanent damage caused by the tumour which
can’t be helped. Steroids, another type of drug, are often given to improve some of the symptoms. Surgery is not part of the
standard treatment because it is too damaging to this part of the brain. The effectiveness of chemotherapy is still uncertain.
Although many trials have been done using chemotherapy, there is no evidence that it improves survival.
There are a number of other types of treatment being considered, including antibody therapy, which is directed against the
tumour cells.
What is the outcome for a child with a diffuse pontine glioma?
Because they are difficult to treat, the outcome for brainstem gliomas is poor. After diagnosis, the survival time is on average nine
to 12 months. To improve the outcome, doctors have tried giving higher amounts of radiation, or using chemotherapy medicines
to kill the tumour cells. Research is underway to achieve better results. When the tumour recurs, the focus of treatment is
on managing symptoms to make sure the child is as comfortable as possible.
