Vascular tumors are neoplasms of endothelial cells, a significant number of which present in childhood. Recent studies have examined the mutational landscape of many subtypes of vascular tumors, identifying mutations primarily within the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and providing a unique opportunity to consider targeted therapeutics. This review will summarize the current understanding of childhood vascular tumor pathobiology.
Keywords: vascular tumors; vascular tumor management; genetics; hemangioma; Ras; MAPK; GNA14; GNA11; GNAQ; IDH.