Childhood Glioma: Understanding the Disease, Empowering Hope at Healius Cancer Clinic

Childhood gliomas are the most common brain tumors in children. They arise from glial cells, which support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Many pediatric gliomas are slow-growing and treatable. At Healius Cancer Clinic, we provide a comprehensive range of Child Hood Glioma Treatment Options In Bangalore, utilizing the latest advances in molecular testing and targeted therapies to significantly improve outcomes and the quality of life for our young patients.

What is Childhood Glioma?

These tumors are a group of diverse diseases rather than a single condition. While a diagnosis is overwhelming, it is important to know that many cases are highly manageable with the right expertise.

Types of Childhood Glioma

• Low-Grade Gliomas (LGG)

These are slow-growing tumors such as pilocytic astrocytoma, diffuse low-grade astrocytoma, and ganglioglioma. Many children do very well, especially when surgical removal at Healius Cancer Clinic is possible.

• High-Grade Gliomas (HGG)

These are faster-growing and more aggressive tumors, including diffuse pediatric-type high-grade glioma and diffuse midline glioma. These require intensive, multidisciplinary management.

Advanced Diagnosis: Molecular and Genetic Classification

Modern diagnosis at Healius combines traditional histology with cutting-edge molecular markers. Understanding the genetic “driver” of the tumor is essential for treatment planning. Key groups include:

• MAPK pathway–altered gliomas
• BRAF-altered and H3-altered gliomas
• NF1-associated gliomas

Gene Fusions in Childhood Glioma

Gene fusions (like KIAA1549–BRAF) play a major role in pediatric low-grade gliomas. Fusion-positive tumors often have favorable outcomes and respond exceptionally well to the targeted therapies we provide in Bangalore.

Personalized Treatment Options in Healius

Surgery

Surgery is the first and most important treatment when safely possible. At Healius Cancer Clinic, our surgical goal is complete removal, which can be curative for many low-grade gliomas.

 Chemotherapy

Used when surgery is incomplete or unsafe, chemotherapy helps control tumor growth and delay radiotherapy. We use carefully dosed regimens like Carboplatin + Vincristine or Vinblastine to minimize long-term side effects.

 Radiotherapy

Radiation is used cautiously, mainly for aggressive tumors. We employ modern techniques such as IMRT to precisely target the tumor. Because a child’s brain is still developing, our specialists at Healius often delay or avoid radiation in very young children whenever possible.

 Targeted Therapy

These medicines act on specific genetic changes and are often better tolerated than traditional chemo.

• BRAF & MEK Inhibitors: Block abnormal signaling to shrink tumors.
• FGFR & mTOR Inhibitors: Used for specific genetic alterations.

Immunotherapy and Clinical Trials

While still evolving, Healius Cancer Clinic stays at the forefront of research. Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system attack tumor cells through:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors
• CAR-T cell therapy (Experimental)
• Oncolytic viral therapy

Causes, Prognosis, and Long-Term Care

In most children, no clear cause is identified. Childhood gliomas are not caused by diet, mobile phones, or parenting choices.

Prognosis: While high-grade gliomas remain challenging, low-grade gliomas often allow children to live long, fulfilling lives. At Healius, our long-term care focuses on the “whole child”—including learning support, hormonal health, and emotional well-being.

Key Take-Home Message from Healius Cancer Clinic

Childhood glioma treatment must be personalized. By combining molecular testing with compassionate care, we aim to control the tumor while protecting your child’s future.

📍 Visit Healius Cancer Clinic in Bangalore for expert pediatric neuro-oncology consultations.

Contact Us: +91 9900613143