About Us
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
A DIPG is a type of tumor found in the pons, which is part of the brainstem. Diffuse means that the tumor is not well-contained: it grows out into other tissue so that cancer cells mix with healthy cells. For this reason, it is impossible to surgically remove DIPG tumors without damaging healthy tissue. This makes DIPG very hard to treat. Intrinsic means within the pons itself. Pontine is the location, the Pons. Glioma is the type of tumor orginating from glial cells.
Age at Diagnosis
The average age at diagnosis for DIPG is 4-7 yo. Arizona was 23 months when she was diagnosed. There are studies that suggest that children under the age of 4 have a longer lifespan. We are hoping they are right.
Life Expectancy
While research over the last ten years has helped improve treatment for DIPG patients, the prognosis is still not good–with the median survival range being from 8-11 months. As of now, Arizona has responded well to radiation and is beating the odds.
