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Do We Need Radiotherapy in Grade II Ependymoma?
Aleksandra Napieralska1, Wojciech Majewski1, Leszek Miszczyk1
1Radiotherapy Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland.
Frontiers in Oncology
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Radiotherapy (RT) improves progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with grade II ependymoma (G2E), especially after non-radical surgery or for brain tumors. RT is also valuable for treating recurrent G2E.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Grade II ependymoma (G2E) treatment remains debated, particularly the role of radiotherapy (RT).
- Understanding the impact of RT on G2E patient outcomes is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of radiotherapy (RT) as an essential part of primary treatment in patients with grade II ependymoma (G2E).
- To assess the impact of RT on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in G2E patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 116 G2E patients treated between 1985-2019.
- Comparison of outcomes based on surgical resection extent (R0 vs. R1/2) and RT application (primary vs. none/recurrence).
Main Results:
- Radical surgery (R0) improved OS, particularly for brain lesions. Primary RT improved PFS, especially for brain tumors and after non-radical surgery (R1/2).
- RT as part of recurrent tumor treatment significantly improved OS.
- Five- and 10-year OS for the whole group was 87% and 83%, with PFS at 68% and 51% respectively.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy (RT) is a valuable treatment for recurrent grade II ependymoma (G2E).
- Patients with brain lesions and non-radical surgery may benefit from local irradiation for improved PFS.
- The findings support a role for RT in specific G2E patient subgroups.
