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Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are highly aggressive and difficult to treat brain tumors found at the base of the brain. They are glial tumors, meaning they arise from the brain's glial tissue—tissue made up of cells that help support and protect the brain's neurons. These tumors are found in an area of the brainstem (the lowest, stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls many of the body’s most vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas account for 10 percent of all childhood central nervous system tumors. Approximately 300 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with DIPG each year. While DIPGs are usually diagnosed when children are between the ages of 5 and 9, they can occur at any age in childhood. These tumors occur in boys and girls equally and do not generally appear in adults.  

DIPG Treatment at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's

Children and adolescents with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's through our Glioma Program, one of the world’s largest pediatric glioma treatment programs. Our brain tumour specialist have extensive expertise in treating all types of gliomas, including DIPGs. Continue reading to learn more about DIPG, read our overview on brain tumours , or visit the gloima program to learn about our expertise and treatment options.