Clinician, scientists identify brain network linked to deadliest childhood brain cancer

Article excerpt

Researchers at UCL have identified a brain network that DMG tumors, the deadliest childhood brain cancer, appear to hijack for their own growth. The discovery emerged from studying how tumor location within this neural circuit correlates with survival: children whose tumors were more deeply integrated into the network faced dramatically shorter lifespans. The finding suggests tumors don't simply occupy space in the brain; they actively exploit existing wiring to fuel progression. This opens potential new avenues for treatment, since disrupting the tumor's connection to these neural pathways might slow or stop the cancer's advance.