Precision Therapy for Brain Tumors in Hereditary Syndromes

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2021 Jul 2;22(9):80. doi: 10.1007/s11864-021-00876-7.

Abstract

Nervous system tumors arising in the setting of monogenic, hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes are unique in that the initiating genetic event in tumor formation is known. This knowledge provides a powerful treatment approach if the alteration or pathway can be targeted with a therapeutic agent. A reasonable argument can be made for the use of targeted agents in these tumor patients, even though many of them have FDA approval only for other tumor types. It is our practice to use and employ targeted therapy when standard treatments have failed or represent an unattractive option. Over time, however, targeted therapies will likely become first-line options.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Genetic; Hereditary; Precision; Targeted.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / etiology
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy* / methods
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / diagnosis*
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / etiology
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / therapy*
  • Precision Medicine* / methods
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor