Childhood Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor
Central nervous system (CNS) atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) are very rare, fast-growing tumors of the brain and spinal cord that usually occur in children age 3 and younger, although it can occur in older children and adults.
About half of these tumors form in the cerebellum or brain stem. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls movement, balance, and posture. The brain stem controls breathing, heart rate, and the nerves and muscles used in seeing, hearing, walking, talking, and eating. AT/RT may also form in other parts of the brain and spinal cord.
Certain genetic changes may increase the risk of developing AT/RT, including changes in the tumor suppressor genes SMARCB1 or SMARCA4.
Childhood Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment (PDQ®)Source: National Cancer Institute
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