miRNA Expression Profile in Pediatric Pineal Pure Germinomas

Pineal region tumors constitute 3% to 8% of intracranial tumors in children and are comprised of various histologies requiring different treatments. Pure ger-minomas account for 40% of pineal tumors and are characterized by the lack of appreciable tumor markers, thus requiring a tumor biopsy is typically required for diagnosis. While the overall outcome for this patient population is excellent after irradiation and chemotherapy, there are surgical risks to per-forming biopsies in this delicate area. MicroRNAs (miRNA) have emerged as potential non-invasive biomarkers for germ cell tumors (GCT) and, if present, may facilitate the non-invasive diagnosis of pure pineal germinomas.