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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Processing of Primary Brain Tumor Tissue for Stem Cell Assays and Flow Sorting
Published on: September 25, 2012
Insights
Infants diagnosed with brain tumors had a high mortality rate, with over half of certain tumor types occurring in this age group. Survival rates were low, and many survivors experienced developmental delays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Childhood Brain Tumors
Background:
- Infants under one year old represent a significant portion of childhood brain tumor cases.
- Specific tumor types like choroid plexus papillomas, meningeal sarcomas, and teratomas are disproportionately found in this age group.
- Supratentorial tumors are more prevalent than infratentorial tumors in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of brain tumors in infants.
- To identify common tumor types and presenting symptoms in this population.
- To evaluate the efficacy of current treatment modalities and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 341 childhood brain tumors treated between 1967-1980.
- Focus on the 39 cases (11%) presenting in the first year of life.
- Review of tumor histology, location, presenting symptoms, treatment, and survival data.
Main Results:
- Medulloblastoma and benign astrocytoma were the most frequent histological types.
- Hydrocephalus (82%) and enlarged head circumference were common presenting signs.
- One-month mortality was 19%, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 46%, 30%, and 22% respectively.
- Five-year survivors without recurrence were rare, and 5 out of 15 survivors had mental retardation.
Conclusions:
- Infantile brain tumors have a poor prognosis, with high mortality and significant long-term morbidity.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial, but outcomes remain challenging.
- Further research is needed to improve treatment strategies and long-term quality of life for these young patients.
Abstract:
Among 341 childhood brain tumors treated at Northwestern University--Children's Memorial Hospital during the years 1967-1980, there were 39 children (11%) who presented during the first year of life. Half of the total number of childhood choroid plexus papillomas, meningeal sarcomas and teratomas we treated occurred in this particular age group. Supratentorial tumors were more common than infratentorial, a rate of 1.8:1. Medulloblastoma and benign astrocytoma were the most common histological types. Hydrocephalus was present in 82% of the children and papilledema in 28%, so that progressive enlargement of head circumference was the most common reason for referral. For the 37 patients who underwent surgical removal or biopsy of the tumor, the 1-month mortality rate was 19% and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 46, 30 and 22%, respectively. Whenever tolerated, roentgen therapy was given. Most of the 24 deaths occurred within 6 months of the time of diagnosis. 5 patients (1 each with malignant astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, meningeal sarcoma, and 2 with choroid plexus papilloma) are still alive 5 years later, without neurological or mental deficit, and with no sign of recurrence. There were three exceptions to Collin's rule. Among the 15 survivors, 5 suffer mental retardation.
