Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Isolation, Enrichment, and Maintenance of Medulloblastoma Stem Cells
Published on: September 1, 2010
Medulloblastoma: progress over time
Robert I Smee1, Janet R Williams, Katie J De-Loyde
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The Prince of Wales Cancer Centre, Level 2, High Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
Insights
This pediatric medulloblastoma audit shows survival rates comparable to national averages. Radiotherapy for central nervous system tumors in children yielded similar outcomes across different treatment eras and risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric central nervous system tumor, predominantly affecting children under 16.
- This study reviews a single center's experience with medulloblastoma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit the outcomes of pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated at a single center.
- To compare these outcomes with data from other major cancer centers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective audit of 80 pediatric patients (<16 years) treated between 1972-2007.
- Analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).
- Comparison of outcomes based on treatment era (pre- vs. post-1990) and disease risk (high vs. low).
Main Results:
- The 5-year PFS was 69.7%.
- 5-year PFS was 66.1% pre-1990 and 71.8% post-1990.
- 5-year CSS was 61.1% for high-risk and 78.4% for low-risk patients; 33% of patients died from the disease.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated at this center achieved survival rates comparable to those reported by other major institutions.
- The findings support the effectiveness of the treatment protocols employed.
Introduction:
Medulloblastoma is the most common central nervous system tumour in children aged 0-4 years, with 75% of cases occurring in patients <16 years, and rare in adults. The intent of this audit is to review a single centre's experience and to compare outcomes with other centres' outcomes.
Methods:
This Ethics approved retrospective audit evaluates the paediatric population aged <16 years who received radiotherapy as their initial or salvage treatment at the Prince of Wales Hospital Cancer Centre between 1972 and 2007. The primary and secondary end-points were progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), with comparisons made between patients treated before and after 1990, and the impact of high- and low-risk disease.
Results:
There were 80 eligible patients, 78 who had radiotherapy at initial presentation, and 2 at the time of recurrence. Median age was 6.5 years, 52 were boys and 28 were girls. Seventy-eight patients had a surgical procedure and ultimately received craniospinal radiotherapy. Of these 78 patients, 32 (40%) had a macroscopically complete resection. The 5-year PFS was 69.7%. The 5-year PFS for patients treated pre and post 1990 was 66.1% and 71.8%, respectively. The 5-year CSS for high- and low-risk patients was 61.1% and 78.4%, respectively. Ultimately, 33% of patients were dead due to disease.
Conclusion:
This audit demonstrates those children referred to this facility for treatment have comparable survival to that of other major centres.
