Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system: report on workshop

Childhood atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) of the central nervous system (CNS) is a recently described entity. Diagnosis is based on distinctive light microscopy and immunohistochemical findings, coupled with molecular genetic analysis. Most AT/RTs demonstrate monosomy 22 or deletions of chromosome band 22q11 with alterations of the hSNF5/INI1 gene. The tumor's incidence is still undefined, but it may comprise as high as 1 in 4 primitive CNS tumors in infants. Treatment is far from optimal, but there are occasional long-term survivors, especially among older children. Therapeutic approached have included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Prospective clinical trials are needed for children with AT/RTs.