Primary tumors of the brain stem. State of the problem

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Primary brainstem gliomas are still poorly studied in neurooncology. This concept includes tumors with different histological and genetic features, as well as variable clinical course and outcomes. Nevertheless, treatment implies radiotherapy without a clear idea of morphological substrate of disease in 80% of cases. Small number of studies and insufficient data on histological and genetic nature of brainstem tumors complicate clear diagnostic and treatment algorithms. This review provides current information regarding primary glial brainstem tumors. Appropriate problems and objectives are highlighted. The purpose of the review is to provide a comprehensive and updated understanding of the current state of brainstem glial tumors and to identify areas requiring further study for improvement of diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Brainstem tumors are an understudied problem with small amount of data that complicates optimal treatment strategies. Further researches and histological verification are required to develop new methods of therapy, especially for diffuse forms of neoplasms.

Keywords:

brainstem tumors

diffuse brainstem tumors

Authors:

Gavryushin A.V.

Burdenko Neurosurgical Center;
National Medical Research Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev

ORCID: 0000-0002-8732-3114

Khukhlaeva E.A.

Burdenko Neurosurgical Center

ORCID: 0000-0003-2424-5582

Veselkov A.A.

Burdenko Neurosurgical Center

ORCID: 0000-0003-2500-3403

Pronin I.N.

Burdenko Neurosurgical Center

SPIN RSCI: 9223-9217
Scopus AuthorID: 7006011755
ORCID: 0000-0002-4480-0275

Konovalov A.N.

Burdenko Neurosurgical Center

SPIN RSCI: 1462-1783
Scopus AuthorID: 57220527356
ORCID: 0000-0002-5048-0298

Received:

09.07.2023

Accepted:

12.01.2024

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