Genetic investigation of childhood vascular tumor biology reveals pathways for therapeutic intervention [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Abstract

Vascular tumors are neoplasms of endothelial cells, a significant number of which present in childhood. Recent studies have examined the mutational landscape of many subtypes of vascular tumors, identifying mutations primarily within the Ras–mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and providing a unique opportunity to consider targeted therapeutics. This review will summarize the current understanding of childhood vascular tumor pathobiology.