Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

Primary central nervous system lymphoma in children

Oussama Abla1, Sheila Weitzman

  • 1Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Neurosurgical Focus
|December 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Childhood primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare, but prognosis is better than in adults. Intensive chemotherapy alone offers long-term remission for most children with PCNSL.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Rare Cancers

Background:

  • Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare brain tumor in children.
  • Optimal management and prognosis for pediatric PCNSL remain undefined.
  • Childhood PCNSL prognosis is generally better than in adults, excluding HIV-related cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood PCNSL.
  • To evaluate current understanding and identify needs for future research in pediatric PCNSL.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and data on childhood PCNSL.
  • Analysis of incidence rates, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes.
  • Comparison of pediatric versus adult PCNSL prognosis.

Main Results:

  • The exact incidence of childhood PCNSL is difficult to determine due to a lack of prospective studies.
  • Intensive chemotherapy alone can achieve long-term remissions in the majority of children (estimated 70% 5-year event-free survival).
  • Cranial irradiation is typically reserved for disease relapse.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood PCNSL, while rare, has a favorable prognosis compared to adult PCNSL.
  • Intensive chemotherapy is the primary treatment, with a high success rate for long-term remission.
  • Prospective multinational studies are essential for advancing the management of childhood PCNSL.

Related Concept Videos

Primary Lymphoid Organs01:16

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
Secondary Lymphoid Organs01:15

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues01:18

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...