Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant of tumor progression and therapeutic response in gliomas. While pediatric gliomas have historically been treated using strategies derived from management of adult gliomas, emerging evidence reveals that pediatric gliomas possess a unique TME. The pediatric TME is distinct, characterized not only by differences in cellular composition, but a lower mutational burden, diminished neoantigen presentation, and heightened immunosuppressive activity. The unique immune landscape, developmental trajectories, and immune escape mechanisms in the pediatric TME create barriers to effective therapy. Recent studies show promising results in novel and advanced therapeutic strategies, highlighting the potential for innovative immunotherapeutic approaches. Advances in methodologies for modeling the TME, including computational approaches and animal-based models, provide new insights into pediatric glioma biology. Utilization of computational models may provide opportunities to predict tumor response to specific therapies and tailor immunotherapy regimes to individuals, allowing for personalized care. Leveraging the unique features of the pediatric TME offers an opportunity to overcome current barriers to immunotherapy and develop more effective, age- and tumor-specific treatment strategies.
Ahamed et al. (2025) studied this question.