The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating reports of an unusually high number of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) cases among children in Eastern Kentucky, according to a report from the Kentucky Lantern.

Public social media posts indicate four to five recent cases of DIPG within a small area of Southeastern Kentucky, a striking cluster given that the disease typically affects only 200 to 300 children nationwide annually. A Change.org petition seeking a public health investigation into the cases has amassed approximately 3,600 signatures in two weeks.

Beth Fisher, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, confirmed the state is "aware of reports concerning a potential increase in pediatric brain tumor cases." She noted that officials are working with the Kentucky Cancer Registry "to examine geographic and temporal trends of DIPG," comparing expected versus observed case numbers over recent years to determine if a cluster exists.

The Whitley County Health Department and local health departments in Laurel and Knox counties are collaborating with state officials "to evaluate cases of DIPG in our region" and gather "crucial information to determine if pediatric cancer rates are unusually high in our communities," according to a statement from Whitley County Health.

DIPG is a rare and incurable cancer that primarily affects children around ages 6 to 7, according to DIPG.org. Patients typically experience trouble walking, facial drooping, blurred vision and other complications. Survival rates are grim: approximately 10% at two years and 2% at five years from diagnosis.

The National Cancer Institute reports there are no known risk factors for DIPG, and the disease is not hereditary. The tumor develops in the pons, a critical area of the brainstem controlling breathing, heart rate and vital nerve functions.

Dr. Bruce Waldholtz, medical spokesman for the American Cancer Society, said several cases in a small geographic area constitute "a statistical blip," suggesting "some unknown thing is going on." However, Cleveland Clinic researchers note DIPG "doesn't seem to be related to environmental risk factors like exposure to cigarette smoke or radiation."

Kentucky has historically struggled with high cancer rates. The state has one of the nation's worst cancer rates overall, with more than 10,000 Kentuckians dying from cancer in 2025.

A GoFundMe page created in April for a Corbin family whose daughter was diagnosed with DIPG has raised more than $66,000 for medical expenses. LEX18 reported in February about another Laurel County child with the diagnosis who was "defying expectations."

The state health department said it "is committed to keeping the public informed and will continue working with local health departments and other partner agencies to determine next steps."