Researchers have uncovered the mechanisms behind three unique subtypes of mismatch repair deficient high-grade gliomas. The findings provide a clearer understanding of how these tumors develop, explain why patients respond differently to immunotherapy, and are already helping guide more precise therapies. Read more: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-discovery-unique-brain-tumor-subtypes.html

In a study published in Nature , University of Michigan researchers have found that a specific molecule called itaconate drives the development of ependymomas. Their findings can help future drug development for children with this type of malignant brain tumor. Read more: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/itaconate-identified-new-target-pediatric-brain-tumors-called-ependymomas

A world-first trial of a personalised vaccine for children with deadly brain cancers will be rolled out in eight hospitals throughout Australia later this year.  Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-03/brain-cancer-vaccine-trial-for-children/106294532

A new research collaboration aims to transform the treatment of children with brain tumors by identifying hidden genetic drivers that current diagnostic technologies often miss. Read more: https://jagwire.augusta.edu/revolutionary-genome-mapping-tech-targets-childhood-brain-cancers/

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/