Doctors are working to learn more about ependymoma, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to children diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials [2]. Always talk with your child’s doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for your child.

Tumor genetics. New research has shown that there are several different subgroups of ependymoma that differ based on the patterns of changes to the genes within each tumor. Although research in this area is early, studies are being done to find out if these genetic differences can help find new ways to treat ependymoma.

Improved radiation therapy techniques. Although the use of radiation therapy is not standard cancer treatment for children younger than three, its usefulness and side effects are being studied in a clinical trial for children with ependymoma in this age group. In addition, new techniques for planning and delivering radiation therapy are also being evaluated that better target the tumor, reducing damage to healthy parts of the brain.

New combinations of chemotherapy and other treatments. New types of chemotherapy and combinations of drugs are being researched with the goal of shrinking any tumor that remains after surgery. This use of chemotherapy is allowing doctors to perform additional surgery for children with a tumor that was not completely removed during the original surgery. The risks and benefits of this are also being studied. In addition, the use of chemotherapy after radiation therapy is being studied to find out if the combination can better manage tumor growth over the long term.

Predicting recurrences. The molecular features of a specific tumor are being studied to find out if they can help doctors predict the likelihood that the tumor will come back after treatment.

Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current ependymoma treatments in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

Learn more about common statistical terms used in cancer research [3].

Looking for More about Current Research?

If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding childhood cancer, explore these related items.

• To find clinical trials specific to your child’s diagnosis, talk with your child’s doctor or search online clinical trial databases now [4].

• Review research announced at recent scientific meetings [5] or in ASCO’s peer-reviewed journals [6].

• Read ASCO’s latest Clinical Cancer Advances report [7], which highlights top research findings over the past year.

• Visit ASCO’s CancerProgress.Net [8] website to learn more about the historical pace of research for childhood cancer.

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