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Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy
Published on: June 28, 2024
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Pediatric pineal region masses: a single-center experience over 25 years
Noor Malik1, Derek C Samples1, Megan M Finneran1,2
1Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
Summary
Pediatric pineal region tumors are rare. Treatment for these brain neoplasms should be individualized, with chemotherapy and radiation being common, while upfront surgery is typically avoided.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Brain tumor research
- Rare cancer epidemiology
Background:
- Pineal region tumors (PRT) constitute less than 1% of all brain neoplasms.
- The rarity and heterogeneity of PRTs necessitate diverse treatment approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review treatment modalities and outcomes for pediatric pineal region tumors.
- To analyze patient demographics, clinical presentation, and tumor characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 56 pediatric patients with pineal region tumors from November 1996 to June 2021.
- Data collected included age, symptoms, diagnostic methods, imaging, histology, treatments, recurrence, and mortality.
Main Results:
- The average age at diagnosis was 11.3 years, with a majority of male and Caucasian patients.
- Common symptoms included headache and visual problems; hydrocephalus was frequent (87.5%).
- Germinoma (35.7%) and non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (30.4%) were most common. Chemotherapy (96.4%) and radiation (87.5%) were primary treatments, with surgery in 25.0%. 5-year progression-free survival was 74.4% and overall survival was 85.7%.
Conclusions:
- Treatment for pediatric pineal region tumors requires a personalized approach based on individual patient factors.
- Upfront surgical resection is generally not the primary treatment strategy for these tumors.
- Ongoing advancements in oncology may further enhance the efficacy of PRT treatment modalities.
