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This new study from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital shows that the FOXR2 gene—once thought to be specific to CNS neuroblastoma—is actually active in several other types of pediatric brain tumors too, including aggressive forms like high-grade gliomas and pineoblastomas. In a review of 42 brain tumors with FOXR2 activation, only a quarter were true CNS neuroblastomas. Despite similar levels of FOXR2 activity across tumor types, outcomes varied drastically: children with CNS neuroblastoma responded well to treatment, but those with gliomas or pineoblastomas had very poor survival outcomes.
This study shows that physicians should not use FOXR2 activation as an exclusive marker for CNS neuroblastoma and instead should use comprehensive molecular testing, histology, and imaging to make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.