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[Brain tumors in children].
T Lundar1, I A Langmoen, K H Hovind
1Nevrokirurgisk avdeling, Rikshospitalet, Oslo.
Summary
Pediatric brain tumors diagnosed via imaging and treated surgically showed favorable outcomes. Most children with brain tumors, even high-grade malignancies, experienced good recovery and survival post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Diagnostic imaging in pediatric oncology
Context:
- This study retrospectively analyzed 100 pediatric patients (0-19 years) diagnosed with brain tumors between 1984-1988.
- Primary surgical treatment data was collected, excluding non-neoplastic lesions and residual tumor operations.
- Tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes were evaluated based on location and grade.
Purpose:
- To assess the outcomes of primary surgical treatment for pediatric brain tumors.
- To correlate tumor location (supratentorial vs. infratentorial) with malignancy grade.
- To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of neurosurgical procedures and adjuvant radiotherapy in children.
Summary:
- Supratentorial tumors (54) were predominantly benign/low-grade (72%), while infratentorial tumors (46) showed a higher incidence of high-grade malignancies (59%).
- Children tolerated major neurosurgical procedures well, with a low per- and postoperative mortality rate of 1%.
- Postoperative radiotherapy was administered to 42 children with high-grade malignancies, and 80 children survived, with 62 in excellent condition after a median follow-up of 40 months.
Impact:
- Highlights the generally favorable prognosis for pediatric brain tumors treated surgically, especially supratentorial types.
- Demonstrates the feasibility and safety of aggressive neurosurgical interventions in pediatric patients.
- Provides long-term outcome data supporting the effectiveness of multimodal treatment strategies including surgery and radiotherapy for pediatric brain malignancies.