Metastatic spinal glioblastoma in a pediatric patient: A case report

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor, with a generally poor prognosis. While it predominantly affects adults, its occurrence in pediatric patients, especially with spinal drop metastasis, is exceedingly rare and their molecular mechanisms remains poorly understood. This is a case report of an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with a thalamic glioblastoma (IDH1-unmutated, K27M-mutated) who presented with neurological deterioration suggestive of metastatic progression. MRI confirmed the presence of spinal drop metastases, highlighting a rare but significant complication. This case underscores the challenges of managing metastatic spinal glioblastoma in pediatric patients and the need for vigilance in detecting delayed metastases. Given the limited therapeutic options, further research is essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of glioblastoma dissemination and develop targeted treatment strategies for these challenging cases.