Posterior fossa ependymoma in children: A long-term single-center experience

Ependymomas in the posterior fossa have poor prognosis. This study reports a single-center pediatric series, focusing on the value of surgical resection.

A single-center retrospective study included all patients operated on by the senior author (CM) for posterior fossa ependymoma from 2002 to 2018. Medical and surgical data were extracted from the hospital's medical database.

Thirty-four patients were included. Age ranged from 6 months to 18 years, with a median of 4.7 years. Fourteen patients underwent initial endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy before the direct surgical resection. Surgical removal was complete in 27 patients. There were 32 surgeries for second-look, local recurrence or metastasis despite complementary chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Twenty patients were WHO grade 2 and 14 grade 3. Sixteen patients showed recurrence (47%). Overall survival was 61.8% at a mean 10.1 years' follow-up. Morbidities comprised facial nerve palsy, swallowing disorder, and transient cerebellar syndrome. Fifteen patients had normal schooling, 6 had special assistance; 4 patients reached university, 3 of whom experienced difficulties. Three patients had a job.

Posterior fossa ependymomas are aggressive tumors. Complete surgical removal is the most important prognostic factor, despite risk of sequelae. Complementary treatment is mandatory, but no targeted therapy has so far proved effective. It is important to continue the search for molecular markers in order to improve outcomes.