The treatment landscape for infant medulloblastoma (iMBL) has also been examined, with Senguttuvan et al. reporting a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate of 70% for patients receiving standard-dose chemotherapy, with notable differences based on histological subtypes. Specifically, those with desmoplastic nodular (DN) or medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity (MBEN) histology had an EFS of 82.5%, while non-DN/MBEN patients had a significantly lower rate of 35.7% (ref: Senguttuvan doi.org/10.1002/pbc.32056/). Furthermore, Coelho et al. investigated the prognostic significance of TWIST1 expression across different molecular subgroups of MB, revealing that higher levels of TWIST1 correlated with shorter overall survival in Group 4 MB, while the opposite was true for sonic hedgehog (SHH) tumors (ref: Coelho doi.org/10.1007/s00381-025-06913-2/). These findings underscore the complexity of MB treatment and the need for personalized approaches based on molecular and histological characteristics.

Coelho et al. further contributed to the understanding of prognostic markers by analyzing TWIST1 expression across various MB subgroups, revealing contrasting survival outcomes based on TWIST1 levels in SHH and Group 4 tumors (ref: Coelho doi.org/10.1007/s00381-025-06913-2/). Additionally, Ruscone et al. introduced NeKo, a Python package designed to automate the construction of biological networks, facilitating the analysis of molecular interactions and enhancing our understanding of the underlying biological processes in MB (ref: Ruscone doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013300/). Together, these studies highlight the importance of molecular insights in tailoring therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes in medulloblastoma.

However, challenges remain in the timely diagnosis of pediatric CNS tumors. Bashir et al. reported a median duration of 2.1 months from symptom onset to diagnosis, highlighting delays that could impact treatment effectiveness (ref: Bashir doi.org/10.1007/s00381-025-06933-y/). Furthermore, Venturini et al. examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and management of brain tumors in children, revealing a concerning trend of delayed diagnoses during this period (ref: Venturini doi.org/10.1007/s00381-025-06928-9/). These studies underscore the necessity for improved diagnostic protocols and the integration of advanced technologies to mitigate delays and enhance patient outcomes.

Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for developing preventive strategies and raising awareness among at-risk populations. The findings from Chen et al. suggest that maternal exposure to specific chemicals may have long-term implications for offspring health, particularly concerning the development of medulloblastoma and other malignancies. As research continues to uncover the links between environmental exposures and cancer risk, it will be essential to integrate these insights into clinical practice and public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of pediatric brain tumors.

The findings underscore the necessity for healthcare providers to adapt to challenges posed by the pandemic, ensuring that diagnostic and treatment protocols remain effective despite external pressures. As pediatric oncology continues to navigate the repercussions of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement strategies that prioritize timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of young patients facing cancer.