Gliomas are tumors that involve the glial cells, cells which are not neuronal cells but are in association with them providing support, nutrition, and protection in the central nervous system including the brain. Malignant transformation (MT) (turning into a cancerous type) of low-grade gliomas (LGG) in children is not well understood. High-grade gliomas (HGG) predominate in adults, particularly glioblastomas. HGGs rarely originate from LGGs but no risk factors or molecular abnormalities have been studied for MT of LGG in children.

    Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee have published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on the clinical and molecular characteristics of malignant transformation of LGG in children. An analysis of children with brain cancer treated at the hospital between 1985 to 2003 was undertaken. The researchers analyzed the collection of 65 patient tumor samples using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry, and TP53 sequencing. 11 patients experienced MT with the LGG progressing and metastasizing.