Researchers Identify Factors Associated with Pediatric Brain Tumors

According to new research published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis identified some risk factors associated with brain tumors in children such as having older parents, birth defects, maternal nutrition, childhood exposure to CT scans and pesticides. The research team reviewed studies that examined potential genetic, immune system, developmental and birth characteristics, as well as environmental factors. “Our review shows that there is still not a lot known about the causes of childhood brain tumors,” said the study’s lead author. “The review identified some potentially fruitful paths to pursue. But I think the big question that still is to be answered with respect to causes of childhood brain tumors is what particular genes influence risk.” Part of the issue, noted the author, is that childhood brain tumors are rare, so it takes large-scale collaboration and effort across the world to collect samples in order to do these kinds of studies. To read more about this study, click here.