# Medulloblastoma in Adolescents and Young Adults: Molecular Subgroups, Prognostic Biomarkers, and Age-Specific Therapeutic Challenges

## TL;DR

This paper reviews medulloblastoma in adolescents and young adults, focusing on molecular subgroups, biomarkers, and the need for age-specific treatments.

## Contribution

The paper synthesizes current evidence on AYA medulloblastoma, emphasizing the need for age-adapted therapeutic strategies.

## Key findings

- AYA medulloblastoma patients show distinct molecular patterns compared to younger children.
- Four molecular subgroups have unique biological and clinical features.
- Current evidence highlights the need for dedicated clinical research in AYA populations.

## Abstract

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, but it presents distinct challenges when occurring in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15–39 years). Recent molecular profiling has identified four principal medulloblastoma subgroups—WNT-activated, SHH-activated, Group 3, and Group 4—each demonstrating unique biological characteristics and clinical outcomes. AYA patients exhibit age-specific molecular patterns and therapeutic responses substantially different from those of younger children. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, molecular characterization, risk stratification, treatment modalities, and outcomes specific to AYA medulloblastoma patients, highlighting the critical need for age-adapted therapeutic strategies and dedicated clinical research in this underserved population.