Primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the spinal canal: A case report.

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Pathology
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare, typically pediatric neoplasms of uncertain origin.
• PNETs predominantly affect children and young adults, making adult-onset cases exceptionally uncommon.
• Intraspinal PNETs are particularly rare, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of intraspinal primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in a 60-year-old female.
• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and therapeutic course of this rare adult PNET.
• To highlight the challenges in managing intraspinal PNETs in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a single patient's clinical journey.
• Review of clinical symptoms, imaging findings, surgical intervention, and adjuvant therapies (radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
• Follow-up assessment of tumor recurrence and patient outcome.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of spinal cord compression, including lower back pain and radiculopathy.
• Initial tumorectomy provided temporary relief of neurological deficits.
• Despite radiotherapy, the PNET recurred within four months, leading to disease progression and patient demise.

Conclusions:

• Adult-onset intraspinal PNET is an exceedingly rare entity with a poor prognosis.
• Multimodal therapy including surgery and radiotherapy may offer temporary palliation but is often insufficient for long-term control.
• Further research is needed to understand the biology and optimize treatment strategies for PNETs in adult populations.