Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG), encompassing neuroglial tumors, represent the most prevalent and varied brain neoplasms in children. This domain has witnessed substantial progress in recent decades, particularly in molecular characterization and the advent of targeted treatment modalities. Advances extend to refined surgical approaches and new surgical methodologies of lesser invasiveness like LITT and focused ultrasound. Furthermore, radiotherapy techniques have undergone significant refinement.

Our curated collection of articles boasts contributions from esteemed global experts, covering diagnostic methods, surgical principles, oncological strategies, and treatment complexities across numerous chapters. Our objective is to furnish pediatric neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and their adult counterparts dealing with pediatric pLGG cases worldwide with a comprehensive overview of this pivotal domain within pediatric neuro-oncology. This endeavor aligns with the overarching mission of pediatric neurosurgical and oncological societies: to enhance the well-being and care standards of the children entrusted to our care.

Of particular significance is the context provided by the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), launched by the WHO in 2018. This initiative seeks to achieve a minimum 60% survival rate for pediatric cancer globally, with low-grade glioma identified as one of six focal diseases alongside acute lymphoblastic leukemia, retinoblastoma, Wilms’ tumor, Hodgkin lymphoma, and Burkitt’s lymphoma. We aspire for our work to contribute meaningfully to the GICC’s objectives and the global management of pediatric and adolescent pLGG cases.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all contributing authors and acknowledge the invaluable support of Child’s Nervous System Editor, Concezio di Rocco, for providing us with this platform.

Special thanks are also due to Ms. Anat Weizman for her exceptional editorial assistance.

Sincerely,

Shlomi Constantini, Israel.

Eric Bouffet, Canada.

Martin U. Schuhmann, Germany.