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Recurrent spinal ependymoma showing partial remission under Imatimib
N Fakhrai1, P Neophytou, K Dieckmann
1Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Oncology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|September 15, 2004
Summary
Imatinib shows promise for treating recurrent spinal ependymoma expressing PDGF receptor. This targeted therapy offers a new option when standard treatments fail, providing stability for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular targeted therapy
Background:
- Recurrent spinal ependymoma has limited treatment options post-surgery and radiation.
- Standard chemotherapy may be ineffective for advanced or recurrent tumors.
Observation:
- A patient with recurrent spinal ependymoma experienced progressive disease after surgery and temozolomide.
- Tumor tissue demonstrated positive staining for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor.
Findings:
- Treatment with imatinib resulted in neurological symptom improvement and slight tumor regression on MRI.
- The patient achieved stable disease for 11 months.
Implications:
- Imatinib represents a potential therapeutic strategy for spinal ependymomas with PDGF receptor expression.
- Targeted therapy may improve outcomes in refractory or recurrent central nervous system tumors.