13-year-old beats rare and fatal brain cancer in world's first. All about brainstem glioma

A 13-year-old boy has become the world's first child to overcome the brutal grasp of brainstem glioma, a rare and deadly brain cancer. Diagnosed with often fatal diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) at the age of six, Lucas defied the grim statistics that accompany this affliction.

The team of doctors, spearheaded by French oncologist, Dr. Jacques Grill, revealed that DIPG afflicts approximately 300 children annually in the United States and up to 100 in France.

The prognosis for most children diagnosed with this malignant tumour is bleak, with only 10 percent surviving beyond two years. Despite the challenges, Lucas embarked on a journey from Belgium to France, becoming a pioneer in the BIOMEDE trial, a revolutionary initiative testing novel drugs for DIPG.

Dr. Grill, the head of the brain tumour program at the Gustave Roussy cancer centre in Paris, expressed astonishment at Lucas's response to the cancer drug Everolimus, stating, "Over a series of MRI scans, I watched as the tumour completely disappeared." The treatment was administered consistently for over a year and a half.

Delving into the specifics of Lucas's case, Dr. Grill emphasized the significance of an extremely rare mutation within the tumour cells. This genetic abnormality, they believe, rendered Lucas's cancer cells remarkably sensitive to the administered drug.

The medical team is now scrutinizing the genetic makeup of patients' tumours and cultivating tumour "organoids" in their quest to replicate the favourable conditions observed in Lucas's case.

Causes of  brainstem glioma

This rare and often aggressive type of brain tumor originates in the brainstem, the vital region connecting the brain to the spinal cord.

The exact causes of brainstem gliomas remain elusive, adding to the complexity of addressing this condition. Researchers believe that genetic mutations may play a role, but environmental factors are also under scrutiny. Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation may contribute to the development of these tumours, although the scientific community continues to explore these links.

Symptoms

Brainstem gliomas present a spectrum of symptoms, making early detection a daunting task. Common signs include difficulty in swallowing, impaired speech, facial weakness, and problems with balance and coordination. Headaches, nausea, and vision disturbances may also manifest, mimicking symptoms of other neurological conditions.

Treatment

The treatment of brainstem glioma hinges on factors such as tumor type, location, and the overall health of the patient. Traditional approaches encompass surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

However, due to the delicate nature of the brainstem, surgical removal may be challenging and carries inherent risks. Radiation therapy, often used in conjunction with chemotherapy, aims to target and shrink the tumour. Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy are being explored.