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[Infratentorial ependymomas in childhood]
1Oddziału Neurochirurgii Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka, Warszawie.
Insights
This study on pediatric infratentorial ependymomas found that while surgery is standard, survival rates decline significantly after one year. Further research into adjuvant therapies for these pediatric brain tumors is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Infratentorial ependymomas are a significant type of pediatric brain tumor.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the treatment outcomes and survival rates of pediatric patients with infratentorial ependymomas.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment modalities in this specific patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 pediatric patients diagnosed with infratentorial ependymomas between 1980 and 1987.
- Surgical resection as the primary treatment modality.
- Assessment of adjuvant therapies including shunting, conventional irradiation, cobalt-60 therapy, and chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- All 30 children underwent surgical treatment.
- 36% of patients required shunting.
- Survival rates at one, three, and five years were 90%, 40%, and 33%, respectively.
- Cobalt-60 therapy was administered to 24 patients, and chemotherapy to nine.
Conclusions:
- Surgical management of pediatric infratentorial ependymomas offers a high initial survival rate.
- There is a substantial decrease in survival rates beyond the first year, indicating a need for improved long-term treatment strategies.
- Adjuvant therapies like radiation and chemotherapy show varied application, highlighting the complexity of managing these pediatric brain tumors.
Abstract:
Between 1980 and 1987, 30 children with infratentorial ependymomas were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Children Medical Centre. The age range was 1.5 years to 9 years. All children with infratentorial ependymomas were treated surgically. Shunting was necessary in 36% patients in this population. Conventional irradiation was given to five children, cobalt Co60 therapy to 24 patients. Chemotherapy was used in nine cases. One-year survival for patients with infratentorial ependymoma was 90%, three year -40% and five year -33%.