Impact of systemic anticancer therapy in pediatric optic pathway glioma
on visual function: a systematic review.
Abstract
Abstract: Background: Systemic anticancer therapy (SAT) is the standard
treatment for unresectable (progressive) pediatric optic pathway glioma
(OPG), which can seriously affect visual function. New SAT modalities
have been introduced the last decennium. Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE
(Ovid) were searched for studies reporting on change in visual acuity
and visual field after start of treatment with SAT for OPG (1990-August
2020). Results: In 11 studies including 358 patients improvement of
binocular VA was found in 0-45%, stability in 18-77% and decrease in
0-82% of patients. Considerable heterogeneity among included studies
made a meta-analysis not appropriate. Studies on VEGF and MAPK signaling
inhibition did not meet the eligibility criteria. Conclusion. This
systematic review suggests a positive impact of SAT on pediatric OPG.
However, the wide ranges reported in efficacy of SAT and the observed
heterogeneity highlight the need for prospective studies with uniform
definitions.