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Pediatric primary CNS lymphoma: longterm survival after treatment with radiation monotherapy

K Makino1, H Nakamura, S Yano

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Graduate School, Kumamoto, Japan. kmakino@fc.kuh.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Acta Neurochirurgica
|January 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Childhood primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare. A 5-year-old boy with PCNSL achieved a 14-year remission with cranial radiotherapy alone, highlighting successful treatment for this rare pediatric cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Radiation Oncology

Background:

  • Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an exceptionally rare malignancy in children.
  • Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric PCNSL.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old boy presented with symptoms of headache and nausea.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere.
  • Histopathological diagnosis confirmed lymphoma via MRI-guided biopsy.

Findings:

  • The patient received cranial radiotherapy, including whole-brain irradiation (30 Gy) and a tumor bed booster (20 Gy).
  • The treatment resulted in persistent complete remission for 14 years.
  • This case represents the sole pediatric PCNSL diagnosis at the institution between 1989 and 2004.

Implications:

  • Cranial radiotherapy alone can be a highly effective treatment for pediatric PCNSL.
  • Long-term remission is achievable with appropriate therapeutic interventions.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric neuro-oncology.

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