Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a malignant embryonal tumor of the central nervous system that usually arises in the cerebellum and occurs most often in children. Its molecular subgroups differ in biology, prognosis, and treatment.

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WNT-activated medulloblastoma: A medulloblastoma subgroup driven by WNT signaling, generally associated with favorable outcomes. This subgroup has distinct biology and typically the best prognosis.
Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway: A cell-signaling pathway that regulates development and tissue growth. Abnormal pathway activity drives SHH-activated medulloblastoma.
Medulloblastoma surgery: Surgical removal of medulloblastoma tissue, usually by resection of the cerebellar tumor. Resection establishes tissue diagnosis and reduces tumor burden.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor: A rare, aggressive embryonal central nervous system tumor that occurs mainly in young children. It can resemble medulloblastoma clinically but has distinct molecular features.
SHH-activated medulloblastoma: A medulloblastoma subgroup driven by Sonic Hedgehog signaling, arising across a broad age range. Its pathway activation and age distribution distinguish it from other subgroups.
Wnt signaling pathway: A signaling network that regulates cell fate, proliferation, and embryonic development. Abnormal WNT signaling defines one major medulloblastoma subgroup.
Craniospinal irradiation: Radiation treatment covering the brain and spinal canal to address disease throughout the central nervous system. It targets tumor cells that may have spread through cerebrospinal fluid.
Ependymoma: A central nervous system tumor arising from cells lining the brain's ventricles or spinal canal. It is another childhood brain tumor that can arise in the posterior fossa.
Group 3 medulloblastoma: A molecular medulloblastoma subgroup often associated with MYC amplification and metastatic disease. It illustrates the aggressive biology found in one major subgroup.
MYC: A family of transcription factors that regulate cell growth, metabolism, and proliferation. MYC amplification is linked to aggressive Group 3 disease.