Researchers at Oncode Institute and Princess Máxima Center have developed a new human model of the brainstem that is changing how one of the most aggressive childhood brain cancers can be studied. Read more: https://www.zonmw.nl/en/news/new-human-brain-model-deadly-childhood-brain-cancer

In a new study, Children’s Cancer Institute and UNSW Sydney researchers lab-tested a combined therapy approach on a group of difficult-to-treat brain tumours: diffuse midline gliomas (DMG). This group includes diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare but fatal childhood brain cancer. Read more: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/01/dual-therapy-shows-promise-for-childhood-brain-cancer

Researchers at the University of Louisville used a modern statistical method to reanalyze the results of children with a special type of high-risk medulloblastoma called Group 3, who participated in two major national clinical trials of therapies. Read more: https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/unique-statistical-approach-lends-promise-to-therapies-for-rare-childhood-brain-cancer/

CAR T cell therapies targeting B7-H3 (CD276), a marker expressed on DIPG tumors, have been tested in early phase clinical trials and demonstrated feasibility and tolerability. [...] However, many CAR T cells may struggle to travel into the tumor and exert their cancer-killing effects. Read more: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/spotlight/2026/01/ccsg-song-natcomm.html

Long term survivors of childhood cancer may carry a measurable brain age gap decades after treatment, according to a cross-sectional analysis from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study. Read more: https://www.emjreviews.com/neurology/news/accelerated-brain-aging-tied-to-neurocognition/

A large cohort study shows that meningiomas develop years later in a significant minority of survivors, with higher risks linked to treatment at earlier ages, radiation exposure, and certain chemotherapies. Read more: https://www.emjreviews.com/neurology/news/study-tracks-risk-of-meningiomas-in-childhood-cancer-survivors/

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identified a promising combination approach to treat a rare, but catastrophic pediatric brain cancer called atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). Read more: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251216/Combination-therapy-shows-promise-to-treat-a-rare-catastrophic-pediatric-brain-cancer.aspx

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C. are uncovering how rare inherited genetic variants contribute to the development of brain and spinal cord tumors in children. Read more: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/researchers-highlight-genetic-factors-in-pediatric-brain-and-spinal-cord-tumors-302623472.html

Ultrasound-created microbubbles can deliver anti-cancer drugs to tumors in difficult-to-reach areas such as the brain stem and spinal cord, a pilot study in children has revealed. Read more: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/oncology/ultrasound-driven-microbubbles-cross-blood-brain-barrier-to-treat-childhood-cancer/

The FDA granted rare pediatric disease designation to iopofosine-131 for treating relapsed or refractory pediatric high-grade glioma.   Read more: https://www.curetoday.com/view/fda-grants-rare-pediatric-designation-for-iopofosine-131-in-glioma-subset