Cisplatin and temozolomide combination in the treatment of supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma

Anaplastic ependymomas are rare tumors in adult patients. Maximal safe resection and use of radiation therapy are standard treatment approaches in patients with anaplastic ependymoma. Recurrent anaplastic ependymomas are treated by reoperation when the tumors are surgically accessible, by radiotherapy if not previously administered and by salvage chemotherapy. However, the role of chemotherapy is still unclear. A few retrospective studies showed interesting results with platinum-based regimens, while the administration of temozolomide alone demonstrated conflicting results. We present, for the first time, the case of a patient with anaplastic ependymoma refractory to platinum-based chemotherapy and temozolomide only, but showing a prolonged reduction of the lesion after receiving combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and temozolomide. A brief review of the literature on the treatment of anaplastic ependymoma follows.