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Published on: March 7, 2017
[Pediatric glioblastoma: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases with p53 protein immunohistochemistry]
Leonora Zozula Blind Pope1, Maria José Serapião, Carlos José Serapião
1Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. leonora.pope@donahelena.com.br
Insights
Pediatric glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor, shares similar characteristics with adult forms. This study analyzed 12 pediatric cases, finding common locations and frequent p53 protein expression.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Tumor Biology
Context:
- Glioblastoma is a highly lethal primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor.
- Pediatric glioblastoma is rare, with limited research and a poorer prognosis compared to adults.
- Understanding pediatric glioblastoma is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the characteristics of pediatric glioblastoma, including gender, age, tumor site, survival rates, and p53 immunohistochemistry.
- To compare the behavior of pediatric glioblastoma with that of adult glioblastoma.
- To identify potential prognostic factors in pediatric glioblastoma.
Summary:
- Twelve pediatric glioblastoma cases were analyzed from two databases (1987-2003 and 1970-1988).
- The median age was 7 years, with a slight female predominance (7 females, 5 males).
- Tumors were predominantly located in the cerebral hemispheres (58.4%), followed by the mesencephalon/brainstem (33.3%). Median survival was 7.9 months, and 75% of cases showed strong p53 immunohistochemistry.
Impact:
- Pediatric glioblastoma appears to behave similarly to adult glioblastoma.
- The findings highlight the importance of p53 expression in pediatric glioblastoma.
- This study contributes to the limited knowledge base of pediatric central nervous system tumors, informing future research and clinical management.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal central nervous system (CNS) primary tumors. Although significant progress, only few analysis have been made in pediatric glioblastoma, which are less common and have worse prognosis than in adults. To evaluate gender, site, age, survival, and immunohistochemistry to p53, we selected cases of pediatric glioblastoma of "CNS Tumors Database in Curitiba", 1987-2003 and of the Hospital Municipal Jesus, Rio de Janeiro, 1970-1988. Twelve tumors were included. The age ranged from up to 12 years (median 7). There were 7 females and 5 males. The median survival was 7.9 months. Location was: cerebral hemispheres (58.4%), mesencephalon and brainstem (33.3%) and one case in the cerebellum. Immunostained to p53 in 9 (75%) cases. In conclusion, glioblastoma behaves similarly in children and adults. It is rare in children, affects both cerebral hemispheres more than brainstem and cerebellum and shows strong immunohistochemistry to p53.
