Dr. Hawkins Addresses Infant Glioma Diagnosis at Pediatric Oncology Congress

On the first day of “the Biennial International Congress of Pediatric Oncology in Memory of Professor Vossough”, on May 15^th, several speeches were given by international speakers. Dr. Cynthia Hawkins, as a Pathologist/Pediatric Neuropathologist at SickKids hospital of Toronto, Canada, was one of the key speakers on day one.

Dr. Cynthia Hawkins is a Senior Scientist at the SickKids Research Institute and a Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Hawkins’ clinical practice includes both surgical and autopsy pediatric neuropathology. She is well known for her expertise in pediatric brain tumors and has a research lab devoted to pediatric glioma. The Hawkins laboratory has contributed to the clinical, morphologic and genetic characterization of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), infant and pediatric-type glioma as well the clinical and biologic implications of mutant histones.

The prime focus of her speech was about Infant Gliomas: “Clinically and Diagnostically Distinct Entities”. Dr. Hawkins presented her lecture online.

During her virtual lecture on Infant Gliomas, Dr. Hawkins stressed the importance of recognizing the unique characteristics of these tumors to enhance their diagnosis and treatment. Her extensive study examined 171 gliomas in infants under one year old, identifying distinct molecular subtypes and underscoring the necessity for personalized care.

By categorizing infant gliomas into three groups based on molecular features, the research highlighted differences in outcomes and survival rates. Dr. Hawkins advised against aggressive surgeries for infant gliomas and recommended targeted therapies for specific molecular alterations to improve survival. The study underscores the significance of individualized diagnostic and treatment approaches for infant glioma patients, showcasing the potential benefits of tailored care.