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Event-Free Survival of Children with Average-Risk Medulloblastoma: Treatment with Craniospinal Radiation Followed by Adjuvant Chemotherapy

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Pediatric Cancer, Volume 4

Part of the book series: Pediatric Cancer ((PECA,volume 4))

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Abstract

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Risk stratification for medulloblastoma separates average and high-risk disease based on age, degree of surgical resection, metastatic status and histopathologic appearance. In children with average-risk medulloblastoma, evolving therapy with surgical resection, craniospinal and focal radiotherapy, and chemotherapy has improved long-term survival to approximately 85 %. However, significant long-term adverse effects are more apparent and occur in a majority of survivors. Studies to improve cure rates while decreasing long-term morbidity are ongoing. Knowledge of the molecular sub-categories of medulloblastoma is rapidly emerging and may lead to refined risk criteria and improved treatment strategies through biological targeting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatrics Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Eugene I. Hwang & Roger J. Packer

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  1. Eugene I. Hwang
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  2. Roger J. Packer
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Correspondence to Roger J. Packer .

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  1. , Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Morris Avenue 1000, Union, 07083, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Hwang, E.I., Packer, R.J. (2013). Event-Free Survival of Children with Average-Risk Medulloblastoma: Treatment with Craniospinal Radiation Followed by Adjuvant Chemotherapy. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Pediatric Cancer, Volume 4. Pediatric Cancer, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6591-7_10

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