Tumors of the central nervous system in the first year of life
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Published on: September 25, 2012
Valerie Larouche1, Annie Huang, Ute Bartels
1Paediatric Brain Tumour Program, Division of Paediatric Oncology/Haematology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Insights
This review of 1,289 infant tumors found astrocytoma and medulloblastoma are most common. Histology and resection extent are key prognostic factors for infant brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Infant Cancer Research
Background:
- Infant brain tumors represent a unique clinical challenge.
- Understanding tumor types and prognosis is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common histological diagnoses of infant brain tumors.
- To identify key prognostic factors in this population.
- To compare infant tumor characteristics with those in older children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 1,289 identified infant cases.
- Analysis of histological diagnoses and tumor locations.
- Evaluation of prognostic indicators including histology and extent of resection.
Main Results:
- Common diagnoses: astrocytoma (30.5%), medulloblastoma (12.2%), ependymoma (11.1%), choroid plexus tumors (11%).
- Most tumors (65%) are supratentorial.
- Histology (malignant vs. benign) and extent of resection are primary prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
- Infant brain tumors exhibit distinct behaviors compared to older children, particularly low-grade gliomas and high-grade gliomas.
- Radiotherapy use in infants remains limited despite advancements.
Abstract:
Among 1,289 infants identified from this literature review, the most common histological diagnoses are astrocytoma (30.5%), medulloblastoma (12.2%), ependymoma (11.1%), and choroid plexus tumors (11%). Most tumors are supratentorial (65%). The most important prognostic factors are histology (malignant vs. benign) and extent of resection. Significant differences are noted for some tumor types by comparison with older children, for example in the aggressive behavior of low grade gliomas and the chemosensitivity of some high grade gliomas. While new techniques of radiation have been introduced in the management of infants, there is still reluctance to consider radiotherapy in this age group.
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