The OncoDaily Medical Journal is launching a Special Series dedicated to Pediatric CNS Tumors in 2026. This initiative aims to provide clinicians, researchers, and policy leaders with a focused platform to explore scientific advances, clinical innovations, and systemic challenges in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children and adolescents. Accepted manuscripts will be fast-tracked for publication and prominently featured as part of this international scholarly effort.

The Special Series are directed by Eric Bouffet, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto, Garron Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research, and Angela Mastronuzzi, Head of Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital.

Pediatric CNS Tumors in 2026

Tumors of the central nervous system remain the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children worldwide. In 2026, the landscape of pediatric neuro-oncology continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by advances in molecular classification, precision medicine, neuroimaging, neurosurgical techniques, radiotherapy optimization, and immunotherapeutic strategies.

Contemporary frameworks like molecularly integrated classifications of medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade gliomas have redefined risk stratification and treatment planning. Targeted therapies for BRAF-altered gliomas, novel approaches for diffuse midline gliomas, CAR T-cell therapies, and adaptive radiation protocols are reshaping care paradigms. At the same time, long-term neurocognitive outcomes, survivorship care, treatment-related toxicities, delayed diagnosis, and global disparities in access to specialized pediatric neuro-oncology services remain pressing challenges, particularly in LMICs where diagnostic and treatment resources may be limited.

The Pediatric CNS Tumors in 2026 Special Series seeks to provide a comprehensive scholarly overview of epidemiology, molecular biology, therapeutic innovation, survivorship science, and health system strategies that can improve outcomes for children with brain and spinal tumors across diverse global settings.

Focus Areas for Submissions

• Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Early Detection: Explores global and regional incidence patterns of pediatric CNS tumors, genetic predisposition syndromes, environmental and developmental risk factors, and strategies to reduce diagnostic delay. Particular emphasis is placed on improving early recognition of neurologic symptoms and strengthening referral pathways in resource-limited settings.
• Diagnosis, Diagnostic Capacity and Early Referral: Explores the importance of timely diagnosis, access to neuroimaging, pathology, and referral pathways in pediatric CNS tumors. Particular emphasis is placed on diagnostic delays and limited diagnostic capacity in LMICs.
• Molecular Classification, Tumor Biology and Biomarker Innovation: Examines advances in molecular and epigenetic profiling, methylation-based diagnostics, genomic alterations (e.g., BRAF, H3K27M, MYC amplification), and their implications for risk stratification and targeted therapy selection. Submissions may also explore liquid biopsy approaches, CSF-based diagnostics, and the integration of molecular tumor boards in pediatric practice.
• Surgical Advances and Neurosurgical Capacity Building: Highlights innovations in pediatric neurosurgical techniques, extent-of-resection strategies, and functional preservation. Manuscripts addressing surgical outcomes, workforce development, new insights in conditions like posterior fossa syndrome and sustainable neurosurgical capacity building in LMICs are strongly encouraged.
• Therapeutic Advances and Precision Neuro-Oncology: Explores targeted therapies, immunotherapy, adaptive chemotherapy and cellular therapy regimens, and precision radiotherapy approaches. Emphasis is placed on multimodal care models that improve survival while minimizing long-term toxicity.
• Pediatric CNS Tumor Types and Disease-Specific Priorities: Focuses on the broad spectrum of pediatric CNS tumors, including medulloblastoma, gliomas, ependymoma, diffuse midline glioma, embryonal tumors, germ cell tumors, and rare CNS tumors. Submissions may address tumor-specific biology, treatment, relapse, and survivorship priorities.
• Survivorship, Neurocognitive Outcomes and Quality of Life: Focuses on long-term functional, endocrine, cognitive, and psychosocial outcomes in survivors. Scalable survivorship models and rehabilitation strategies across diverse healthcare settings are of particular interest.
• Palliative and Supportive Care: Addresses symptom management, communication, psychosocial support, and quality-of-life-focused care for children with high-risk, relapsed, or incurable CNS tumors. Submissions on early integration of palliative care into multidisciplinary pediatric neuro-oncology practice are encouraged.
• Policy, Implementation Science and Health System Strengthening: Analyzes pediatric cancer control strategies, workforce development, and integration of CNS tumor care into national health systems. Implementation research tailored to resource-constrained environments is particularly welcomed.
• Global Disparities, Access to Care and Equity: Examines disparities between HICs and LMICs in access to diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, proton therapy, molecular testing, and survivorship care. Manuscripts addressing scalable solutions for equitable pediatric neuro-oncology care are strongly encouraged.

Clarified Criteria for Evaluation

Manuscripts will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation – Novel approaches, technologies, clinical insights, or conceptual frameworks that advance pediatric neuro-oncology.
• Regional Applicability – Relevance and potential for adaptation within various healthcare systems, including resource-limited environments.
• Impact on Practice or Policy – Demonstrated or potential implications for improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment access, or patient outcomes.

Author Guidelines

Authors submitting to the “Pediatric CNS Tumors in 2026” Special Series are encouraged to:

• Explore how demographic, genetic, and socioeconomic factors influence disease risk, diagnostic timing, and outcomes in pediatric CNS tumors.
• Examine implementation of evidence-based interventions in underserved or underrepresented populations, including rural and low-resource regions.
• Provide comparative studies, meta-analyses, or real-world evaluations that yield generalizable insights for improving pediatric oncology care.
• Highlight scalable models that strengthen early detection pathways, multidisciplinary care structures, and survivorship support for children and adolescents with CNS tumors.

Submission deadline: February 20, 2027

Author Guidelines

The Special Series will accept Original Research articles and Reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses). More information about submission requirements and formatting guidelines can be found on our website.