Current therapy and new perspectives in the treatment of medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma, a malignant tumor arising from the medullary velum, is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Local extension into the cerebellar hemisphere, infiltration of the floor of the fourth ventricle, and seeding into the subarachnoid space are common. Early diagnosis and improved treatment consisting of surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy for selected high-risk patients has contributed to a dramatic change in survival. This article reviews current treatment strategies and describes new therapies that have the potential to improve the outlook of children with medulloblastoma.