# What to know about the pediatric brain tumor investigation in Kentucky  
**Published:** 2026-05-22T11:57:22.000Z  
**Source:** [Kentucky Lantern](https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/22/what-to-know-about-the-pediatric-brain-tumor-investigation-in-kentucky/)  
**Republished from:** [Kentucky Lantern](https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/22/what-to-know-about-the-pediatric-brain-tumor-investigation-in-kentucky/) (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)  
**Canonical:** https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/22/what-to-know-about-the-pediatric-brain-tumor-investigation-in-kentucky/

By Sarah Ladd, [Kentucky Lantern](https://kentuckylantern.com) · May 22, 2026

![](https://kentuckylantern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GettyImages-2164594412-1024x683.jpg) (Public health officials, local health departments and the Kentucky Cancer Registry are investigating. (Getty Images))

While there is no known cause of [Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma](https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/05/public-health-officials-are-investigating-rare-cancer-cases-in-eastern-kentucky-children/), a rare and incurable brain cancer [mainly found in children](https://dipg.org/statistics/), officials are investigating after an increase in cases in Eastern Kentucky raised concern.

The Lantern first reported the DIPG investigation in early May and is following developments.

Here’s what to know about it:

#### How many cases are there?

In the last two years, the Appalachian region has had 10 cases of DIPG.

In 2024, there were three active cases in Appalachia. In 2025, there were six new cases, mostly in children (defined as being under the age of 20).

One new case was confirmed in 2026 so far.

Meanwhile, the global DIPG Registry shows 895 active members in the United States, which is higher than any other nation in the registry and makes up more than 60% of all cases registered. Canada, the next highest, has 233 registrants.

Every other country in the registry has fewer than 100 cases. Cases could be higher than the registry reflects; it is elective.

[A rare brain tumor took her son’s life. This Kentucky mom is still fighting for a cure.](https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/18/a-rare-brain-tumor-took-her-sons-life-this-kentucky-mom-is-still-fighting-for-a-cure/)

#### Is this a cancer cluster?

Locals were initially concerned the cases constituted a cancer cluster, but based on the number of cases and the spread of counties involved, investigators do not believe this is a cancer cluster.

#### Who is investigating?

The Kentucky Cancer Registry, the Kentucky Department for Public Health and local health departments [are investigating](https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/05/public-health-officials-are-investigating-rare-cancer-cases-in-eastern-kentucky-children/) the cases.

Gov. Andy Beshear said the state plans to seek help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well.

#### What counties are involved?

Recent cases are in Barron, Johnson, Lincoln, Whitley, Madison, Laurel and Morgan Counties.

#### What is the age range of the cases?

All but one of the cases in the last year have been in people under the age of 20; one case was in a person 20 years old.

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## Sources

- [Kentucky Lantern](https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/22/what-to-know-about-the-pediatric-brain-tumor-investigation-in-kentucky/)