A systematic review of adult pineoblastoma

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neurosurgery
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Adult pineoblastoma is an extremely rare central nervous system (CNS) malignancy.
• Existing data from tumour databases and single-institution studies are insufficient to guide treatment decisions.
• A systematic review is necessary to consolidate research and provide evidence-based treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing research data on adult pineoblastoma.
• To identify effective treatment strategies and prognostic factors for adult pineoblastoma.
• To provide referenceable treatment options for this rare CNS malignancy.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and Embase with terms "pineoblastoma" and "adult".
• Relevant articles and their references were reviewed to supplement the systematic search.
• Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, COX analysis, chi-square tests, and log-rank tests.

Main Results:

• The study included 108 adult cases from 32 articles, with a median age of 30 years.
• Five-year and 10-year survival rates were 49.5% and 33.9%, respectively.
• Gross total resection (P=0.018), radiotherapy (P<0.001), and chemotherapy (P=0.020) were associated with improved survival. Radiotherapy was an independent prognostic factor (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Gross total excision and radiotherapy demonstrate significant benefits for improving survival in adult pineoblastoma.
• These findings underscore the importance of aggressive surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy in managing adult pineoblastoma.
• Further research may refine treatment protocols for this rare CNS tumor.