Abstract
Diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) for decades has relied on imaging
studies and clinical findings. Histologic confirmation has been absent with surgical biopsy
of brainstem tumors not believed to have acceptable safety. The prognosis of DIPG has
remained quite poor and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. This DIPG Biology and
Treatment Study (DIPG-BATS) study incorporates a surgical biopsy at presentation using strict
preoperative neurosurgical planning and stratifies participants to receive FDA-approved
agents chosen on the basis of specific biologic targets. This is the first prospective
national clinical trial to examine the feasibility and safety of incorporating surgical
biopsy into potential treatment strategies for children with DIPG.
