Postirradiation cerebellar glioma. Case report.

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Pediatric oncology
• Radiation oncology

Background:

• A 13-year-old female patient with a history of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
• Received central nervous system (CNS) irradiation and prophylactic chemotherapy for ALL treatment.
• Developed a cerebellar tumor 7 years post-treatment.

Observation:

• The patient presented with an anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive glial tumor.
• The tumor's location in the cerebellum and its anaplastic, infiltrative nature were atypical for this site.
• The tumor manifested 7 years after CNS irradiation and chemotherapy for ALL.

Findings:

• The cerebellar tumor was diagnosed as an anaplastic astrocytoma.
• Histopathological features indicated an aggressive and infiltrative glial tumor.
• The tumor's development occurred 7 years after prophylactic CNS irradiation and chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential link between prior CNS irradiation and the development of secondary high-grade gliomas.
• Highlights the importance of long-term surveillance for secondary neoplasms in pediatric cancer survivors.
• Underscores the need for further research into radiation-induced oncogenesis in the pediatric population.