Our understanding of what a Diffuse (Intrinsic) Pontine Glioma is –

• A Diffuse Pontine Glioma is a tumour in the brain stem.
• These tumours are currently inoperable because they are located in a critical part of the brain, and the tumour cells are mixed with healthy cells (Intrinsic).
• These tumours are malignant and grow rapidly.
• The symptoms include muscle weakness on one side of the body, swallowing problems, speech problems, crossed eyes, drowsiness, and personality changes.
• Most children die within a year of diagnosis.
• The average age of patients is 5-10 years old.
• Around 35 children are diagnosed each year with Diffuse Pontine Gliomas in the UK.

References:

• http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site762/mainpageS762P0.html
• http://www.cclg.org.uk/our-publications/all-publications/brain-and-spinal-tumours-in-children-and-young-people
• http://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/rmh/cancer/paediatriccancers/pontineglioma