Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Clinical

31 A SCOPING REVIEW OF CURRENT TARGETED THERAPIES FOR PEDIATRIC GLIOMAS BY MOLECULAR CLASSIFICATION AND PATIENT OUTCOMES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS

Leena Seyam, OMS-II; Roya Hazraty, OMS-II; Jessica Nicholson, MPH; Amy M. Hicks, PhD, MPH; Bernard Kadio, MD, MPH, PhD Corresponding author: seyam@vt.vcom.edu, rhazraty@vt.vcom.edu

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia

Context: Brain tumors are the second most common malignancy in children, representing approximately 25% of all pediatric cancers, following leukemia (≈30%). Among these, gliomas account for nearly 45% of pediatric brain tumors. The standard first-line treatment remains surgical resection, with survival outcomes varying by tumor location, extent of resection, and histological type. In recent years, advances in molecular oncology have shifted attention toward biomarkers and genetic alterations that enable the development of targeted and less invasive therapies. Commonly reported mutations include alterations in BRAF, MEK, RAS/ MAPK, H3K27, PTEN, PI3K, and FGFR pathways. However, evidence regarding the clinical application, efficacy, and outcomes of these targeted approaches remains fragmented and heterogeneous across studies. Objective: This scoping review aims to map and synthesize current knowledge on targeted therapies for pediatric gliomas, clarifying their molecular basis, therapeutic indications, and reported clinical outcomes.

Methods: All available literature published between 2021 and 2025—the period following the release of the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) 2021 classification of CNS tumors—will be reviewed. Eligible studies will include primary research involving pediatric patients (≤19 years) diagnosed with any histological or molecular subtype of glioma and treated with targeted therapies, either as an adjuvant to surgery or as an alternative treatment. Sources will be identified through systematic searches of electronic databases and manual snowballing of reference lists. The review will follow the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines as recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Expected Results: This review will provide a comprehensive overview of targeted and molecular therapies in pediatric gliomas, highlighting therapeutic trends, evidence gaps, and implications for precision medicine and clinical decision-making in pediatric neuro-oncology.

Conclusion: By synthesizing and organizing current literature, this review aims to enhance understanding of the molecular landscape of pediatric gliomas and the therapeutic implications of precision medicine. Ultimately, the findings will help guide young clinicians, researchers, and trainees in navigating the rapidly advancing area of pediatric cancer care.

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201 2026 Research Recognition Day