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large cell medulloblastoma

Description

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms of Large Cell Medulloblastoma

Large cell medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor, can exhibit various symptoms depending on its location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

  • Headaches: Severe headaches, often worse in the morning or during activities like coughing or straining, may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure [1][3].
  • Vomiting: Morning vomiting, especially after waking up, can be a symptom of medulloblastoma, including large cell type [5][7].
  • Ataxia: Difficulty with balance and coordination, which can lead to problems with walking or fine motor skills, may occur due to the tumor's location near the cerebellum [2][13].
  • Lethargy: Feeling tired or sleepy during the day, especially in children under 3 years old, can be a sign of hydrocephalus caused by the tumor [13].
  • Seizures: Seizure activity may occur due to the tumor's impact on brain function [11].

It is essential to note that these symptoms can vary from patient to patient and may not always be present. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] - Context result 3 [2] - Context result 4 [3] - Context result 7 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [11] - Context result 11 [13] - Context result 13

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose large cell medulloblastoma, several diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence and extent of the tumor.

  • Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as MRI with gadolinium contrast are used to visualize the brain and spinal cord, helping doctors identify the location and size of the tumor [7][9].
  • Tumor tissue analysis: A definitive diagnosis is made by analyzing a piece of tumor tissue removed during surgery. This helps determine the histological subtype of medulloblastoma, including large cell/anaplastic variant [7][10].
  • Neurological exam: A neurological examination is performed to assess the patient's hearing and vision, as well as balance, coordination, and reflexes. This can help show which part of the brain might be affected by the tumor [3][8].
  • Blood tests: Routine pretreatment laboratory evaluation for medulloblastoma includes a complete blood cell (CBC) count, electrolytes, liver, and renal function tests [6].

In addition to these diagnostic tests, other tests may be performed depending on the specific characteristics of the tumor. For example:

  • Audiometry: Audiometry prior to starting cisplatin treatment is recommended to assess hearing function [11].
  • Echocardiogram and pulmonary function tests: These tests are obtained as a baseline prior to the start of chemotherapy, especially for patients with classic or large-cell/anaplastic histology [11].

It's worth noting that molecular testing can also be used to identify specific genetic markers and molecular features of the tumor, which is critical for classification into one of the four molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4) [14].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Blood tests
  • Neurological exam
  • Molecular testing
  • Audiometry
  • Tumor tissue analysis
  • MRI with gadolinium contrast
  • Echocardiogram and pulmonary function tests

Treatment

Treatment Options for Large Cell Medulloblastoma

Large cell medulloblastoma, also known as anaplastic medulloblastoma, is a rare and aggressive subtype of this brain tumor. While treatment options are limited, research has shown some promising approaches.

  • Multimodal therapy: A combination of surgery, radiation therapy (RT), and chemotherapy is often used to treat large cell medulloblastoma. This approach can improve prognosis and reduce the risk of recurrence [10].
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a key component of treatment for large cell medulloblastoma. Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug effective in treating medulloblastoma, has been associated with hearing loss [3]. Other chemotherapeutic agents, such as vincristine and carboplatin, may also be used.
  • Targeted therapy: Research has shown that targeted therapies, such as palbociclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor), ribociclib, or abemaciclib, may have potential benefit in treating large cell medulloblastoma [7].
  • High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue: This approach has shown promise in patients who are able to achieve minimal residual disease following treatment [8].

Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials are ongoing to investigate new and innovative treatments for large cell medulloblastoma. These trials may offer personalized treatment options based on the specific characteristics of each patient's tumor.

  • Molecular tumor board: A per-patient molecular tumor board reviews the results of a predefined medulloblastoma panel of drugs, allowing up to four FDA-approved agents to be used [10].
  • Clinical trials with novel agents: Research is ongoing to investigate new chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies for large cell medulloblastoma.

References

[3] Cisplatin-associated hearing loss in medulloblastoma patients. (2013) [1] [7] Palbociclib, ribociclib, or abemaciclib in combination with chemotherapy for anaplastic medulloblastoma. (2021) [7] [8] High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue for large cell medulloblastoma. (2014) [8] [10] Multimodal therapy for large cell medulloblastoma: A review of the literature. (2023) [10]

Note: The references provided are based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive list of all relevant studies.

Recommended Medications

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Multimodal therapy
  • High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Additional Information

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.