Related Experiment Videos
Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor in an aged patient--case report--
Takashi Shingu1, Takato Kagawa, Yoriyoshi Kimura
1Department of Neurosurgery, Masuda Red Cross Hospital, Masuda, Shimane, Japan. nogeka@med.shimane-u.ac.jp
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|October 26, 2005
Summary
A rare supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) occurred in an elderly woman. Despite chemotherapy, the tumor progressed, highlighting the challenges in treating this aggressive brain cancer in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Adult oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare, aggressive central nervous system neoplasms.
- Supratentorial PNETs are particularly uncommon in adults, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- An 88-year-old female presented with altered consciousness and left hemiplegia, indicative of a large right frontotemporal mass.
- Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a significant lesion, and biopsy established the diagnosis of supratentorial PNET.
- Due to her frail condition, the patient received only chemotherapy (MCNU, vincristine, prednisolone).
Findings:
- The patient succumbed to tumor progression approximately 6 months post-diagnosis.
- This case underscores the limited efficacy of chemotherapy alone in advanced supratentorial PNET, especially in elderly patients.
Implications:
- Treatment decisions for supratentorial PNET in the elderly must carefully balance potential benefits against patient comorbidities and tolerance.
- Aggressive multimodal therapy (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) is standard but may not be feasible or beneficial for all elderly patients.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for supratentorial PNET in the geriatric population, focusing on tailored, less intensive approaches.