Central nervous system (CNS) tumors have complex causes and poor prognosis. Tumor heterogeneity is a major cause of treatment failure, and in-depth understanding of the biodiversity of CNS tumors is critical. Single-cell sequencing technology provides an opportunity to reveal the complex ecosystem of CNS tumors. In this study, we review the significance of single-cell sequencing in exploring the heterogeneity, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CNS tumors from three aspects: tumor stem cells, tumor microenvironment, and cerebrospinal fluid. Although most of the findings have not been clinically applicable, they lay the foundation for the development of new guidelines for CNS tumors that help improve tumor prognosis and prevent tumor recurrence.

Single-cell sequencing; Central nervous system tumors; Cancer stem cells; Tumor microenvironment; Cerebrospinal fluid