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MOLECULAR SUBTYPING OF PEDIATRIC MEDULLOBLASTOMA: CLINICAL, PROGNOSTIC, AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

 Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and is now recognized as a molecularly stratified spectrum comprising four principal subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. Implementation of genomic and epigenomic profiling and the incorporation of subgrouping into the 2021 WHO CNS5 classification have clarified substantial heterogeneity in tumor biology, prognosis, metastatic behavior, and therapeutic response. However, translating molecular understanding into durable, less toxic therapies remains challenging, particularly for biologically aggressive disease such as metastatic Group 3 and TP53-mutant SHH tumors. This review summarizes molecular classification and diagnostic algorithms (including DNA methylation profiling), subgroup biology, prognostic implications, current standard-of-care treatment by subgroup, and emerging therapeutic directions including pathway inhibition, epigenetic therapies, drug repurposing, immunotherapy, and novel delivery approaches. Persistent barriers—especially blood–brain barrier (BBB) constraints and global inequities in access to molecular diagnostics and advanced radiotherapy—must be addressed to ensure that precision neuro-oncology improves outcomes and quality of life for children with medulloblastoma worldwide.

Keywords

Medulloblastoma; molecular subtyping; DNA methylation profiling; WNT; SHH; Group 3; Group 4; risk stratification; targeted therapy; immunotherapy; pediatric neuro-oncology; global health disparities..

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