Recent Advancements in Ependymoma: Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities

Abstract

Background: Ependymoma is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors and can be difficult to treat. Over the last decade, much progress has been made in the understanding of the underlying molecular drivers within this group of tumors, but clinical outcomes remain unchanged. Summary: Here, we review the most recent molecular advances in pediatric ependymoma, evaluate results of recent clinical trials and discuss the ongoing challenges in the field and questions that remain. Key Messages: The field of ependymoma has vastly changed over the last several decades with ten distinct molecular subgroups now described, but much progress needs to be made in developing new therapeutic strategies and targets.