Related Experiment Videos
Pineal parenchymal tumors. Clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects
S E Schild1, B W Scheithauer, P J Schomberg
1Section of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida.
Cancer
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Radiation therapy (RT) for pineal parenchymal tumors (PPT) shows better outcomes with higher doses (≥50 Gy) and craniospinal irradiation for tumors prone to seeding. This study details RT recommendations for improved patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pineal parenchymal tumors (PPT) are rare, limiting clinical data on their behavior.
- This study aimed to expand knowledge on PPT pathology, clinical course, and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the pathologic features, clinical behavior, and response to radiation therapy (RT) in patients with pineal parenchymal tumors (PPT).
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for RT in managing PPT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 patients diagnosed with PPT between 1939 and 1991.
- Tumor classification into pineocytomas, PPT with intermediate differentiation, mixed PPT, and pineoblastomas.
- Evaluation of treatment response based on radiation dose, field of treatment, and occurrence of local or leptomeningeal failure.
Main Results:
- Higher RT doses (≥50 Gy) to the primary tumor correlated with no local failure, unlike lower doses (86% failure).
- Craniospinal irradiation reduced leptomeningeal failure in seeding tumors (14% vs. 50%).
- Pineoblastomas showed higher rates of local (44%) and leptomeningeal failure compared to pineocytomas.
Conclusions:
- Recommended RT doses of ≥50 Gy for gross disease and craniospinal irradiation for tumors prone to seeding are crucial.
- Optimal management requires consideration of surgical, chemotherapeutic, and pathologic factors.
- Effective RT strategies can improve outcomes for patients with pineal parenchymal tumors.