Pediatric Cancer Research from Genetics and Morphology to Experimental Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Tumors in children are different from those in adults. Among the pediatric population (ages 0 to 19 years), the most common types of cancer are leukemias, followed by CNS tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, kidney tumors, and malignant bone tumors.  Benign tumors and tumors of intermediate malignancy such as desmoid fibromatosis and vascular lesions are common and can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. The incidence of pediatric tumors varies in different racial and ethnic groups, reflecting a biologic as well as an environmental basis for the ethnic disparity. Malignant tumors have a complex biology that is characterized by rapid proliferation, spectrum of cellular differentiation, and association with developmental genes. The genome is unique with a high prevalence of specific structural variations (e.g., gene fusions and chromosomal rearrangements) and predisposing germline variants. This unique genome translates to a unique morphology, microenvironment, and clinical behavior.  The classification of pediatric tumors has recently evolved with the incorporation of genetically defined entities and the addition of ancillary tests that have resulted in a more precise tumor definition. Traditional and novel therapeutic regimens are burdened by therapy resistance and tumor progression. Genetic and epigenetic tumor sequencing has opened new opportunities for patients to be included in clinical trials.  This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in pediatric tumor research, including pathology, tumor microenvironment, novel treatment, and cellular and genetic landscapes.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome, and topics may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Developmental biology and cancer predisposition syndromes;
2. Animal models of pediatric cancer;
3. Genetics of different pediatric tumors including malignancies, solid cancers, and tumors of intermediate malignancy;
4. Biologic basis of therapy and therapy resistance;
5. Molecular diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Atif Ali Ahmed
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• pediatric tumors
• solid cancers
• leukemias
• cancer predisposition syndromes
• genetics
• omics
• immunotherapy
• therapy resistance