Child brain tumours reveal 10 cancers

Deadly childhood brain tumours can be divided into 10 uniquely different types of cancer, research has shown.

The discovery, reported in the journal Cancer Cell, paves the way to personalised treatments for the diseases based on their specific genetic faults.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, gathered data on more than 1000 brain tumour cases in both children and adults.

They found stark differences between children's high-grade tumours, or gliomas, that meant they could be split into at least 10 different cancers.

Team leader Professor Chris Jones said: "Our study uncovered a wealth of new information about children's brain cancers.

"We found that tumours that have historically been lumped together under one diagnosis are in fact comprised of many, remarkably different, diseases.

"Treating cancer based only on what we see down the microscope simply isn't good enough any more."

He said doctors needed to start thinking about these tumours as completely different cancers and diagnosing and treating them based on their genetic faults.

"It's exciting that several types look like they could be clearly treatable using either existing drugs on the market or other treatments under development," Prof Jones said.

Professor Paul Workman, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, said the study was a vital step forward.