Peripheral biomarkers for pediatric brain tumors: current advancements and future challenges

Abstract

Circulating biomarkers-nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites-have been used in several adult oncologic processes to affect early detection, measure response to treatment, and offer prognostic information. The identification and validation of biomarkers for pediatric brain tumors, however, has been meager by comparison. Early detection and serial screening of pediatric brain tumors has the potential to improve outcomes by allowing for rapid therapeutic interventions and more targeted therapies. This is particular resonant for pediatric brain tumors where treatment success is heavily dependent on early surgical intervention. This highlights the need for biomarker development in pediatric neuro-oncology. The authors reviewed current circulating biomarker targets in various biofluid reservoirs and discuss the current barriers to biomarker development in pediatric neuro-oncology patients.

Potential biomarkers of childhood brain tumor identified by proteomics of cerebrospinal fluid from extraventricular drainage (EVD)

“…However, there is the need to identify biomarkers, i.e. measurable substances reflecting the presence of a tumor, to facilitate diagnosis, therapeutic stratification, and detection of residual disease or recurrence 3 , 6 . Among the multiple potential pitfalls in the decision-making in the case of brain tumours, there is difficulty in differentiating between true tumor progression or recurrence versus, for example radiation reactions 7 .…”

“…5 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy. 6 Department of Neuroncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy. 7 UO of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.…”

The Role of Liquid Biopsies in Pediatric Brain Tumors

“…The use of tumor cytology has been used to monitor pediatric brain tumors dating back to the 19th century (4). The process of obtaining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for cytology has been used to provide qualitative information.…”

“…Adapted from references(4,24). CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; cfDNA, cell-free tumor DNA; IGFBP, insulin growth factor binding protein; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; AT/RT, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor.…”

Introduction to this Special Issue: “Biomarker Discovery and Precision Medicine”

“…Huang et al [5] discussed advances in developing new devices, such as microfluidics and nanotechnology, for capturing and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells. Bookland and Kolmakova [6] reviewed current advances in searching for circulating biomarkers for pediatric brain tumors, including cell-free DNA, non-coding RNA, tumor metabolites, and proteins in body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and urine. On the other hand, the review article by Farlow et al [7] discussed applications of biomarkers in design of clinical trials.…”