The relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer networks presents an intriguing area of research, especially concerning metabolic alterations. While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerges as a phenotypic trait in various monogenic hereditary cancer syndromes such as NF1 and PTEN genes, it has been indirectly linked to an increased cancer risk during early childhood. This association, however, is often confounded by co-occurring intellectual disabilities or birth defects, and the specific connection between ASD and childhood brain tumors remains unclear. The current state of research emphasizes the need for comprehensive investigations utilizing large databases, such as the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), St Jude Cloud, and the Australian Cancer Database, to uncover significant clinical and genomic links between ASD and pediatric brain tumors.

This Research Topic aims to address the existing gap in understanding the clinical and genomic associations between ASD and childhood brain tumors. The objective is to explore genotype-phenotype correlations with various levels of ASD at the point of brain tumor diagnosis and to identify how these associations might impact treatment outcomes. By integrating data from reputable sources, we seek to offer new insights into these complex relationships and drive further research in this promising field. Moreover, integrating novel healthcare approaches for ASD-affected children undergoing oncology treatments will be explored to improve patient experience and outcomes.

To gather further insights into these connections, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Risk of brain tumors in children with Autism spectrum disorder.
- Association of chromosomal variants in autism and brain tumors in childhood.
- Integrated oncology and general pediatric approach to ASD-affected children undergoing minor and major procedures.
- Pathways to improve the treatment experience in children with ASD diagnosed with a brain tumor.
- The role of multidisciplinary allied health teams in managing ASD during cancer treatment.

Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this Research Topic.

Please note the following conflict of interest disclosures for Dr. Sidharth Mehan:
- Dr. Mehan is affiliated with ISF College of Pharmacy (An Autonomous College), Moga, Punjab, India.
Dr. Sumanth Nagabushan and Dr. Jennifer L. Quon delared no conflict of interest.

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Exploring the Intersection of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Brain Tumors: Genomic and Clinical Connections

Topic Coordinator