obsolete recurrent childhood brain tumor

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several types of childhood brain tumors mentioned, but one specific type stands out as being related to recurrence.

Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma

According to search result [4], Medulloblastoma is an aggressive embryonal tumor arising in the cerebellum or, less frequently, in the dorsal brain stem. It's worth noting that Medulloblastoma is mentioned as part of a group called MEMMAT (Medulloblastoma, Ependymoma and ATRT), which suggests a connection between these tumors.

Search result [5] mentions Ependymoma as the second most common malignant brain tumor entity in children, after medulloblastoma. This implies that both Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma are significant types of childhood brain tumors.

Recurrent Childhood Brain Tumors

While there isn't a specific description of an "obsolete recurrent childhood brain tumor," search result [10] mentions that advances in surgical and adjuvant therapy have improved the survival rates of children with medulloblastoma and low-grade glioma (LGG), but not for other tumors such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and other midline high-grade gliomas (HGGs). This suggests that some childhood brain tumors, including possibly Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma, may still be challenging to treat and have a higher risk of recurrence.

Other Relevant Information

Search result [7] mentions seizures as a common presentation of pediatric brain tumors, especially in supratentorial tumors with gray matter involvement. This could be relevant for understanding the symptoms and diagnosis of childhood brain tumors, including potentially recurrent ones.

In summary, while there isn't a specific description of an "obsolete recurrent childhood brain tumor," Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma are mentioned as significant types of childhood brain tumors that may still have challenges in treatment and recurrence.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various signs and symptoms associated with recurrent childhood brain tumors. Here are some possible indicators:

• Headaches: A common symptom in children with a brain tumor, which may become more frequent and severe [1].
• Changes in hearing, memory, learning, sight, smell, or emotion: Recurrent childhood brain tumors can cause changes in these areas, which may be noticed by adults or the child themselves [3].
• Seizures: Seizures are one of the most common symptoms of pediatric brain tumors, and factors associated with increased risk include supratentorial location and gray matter involvement [14].
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness: This is a frequently reported symptom in the final weeks of a brain tumor patient's life [15].
• Behavioral changes: Recurrent childhood brain tumors can also cause behavioral changes, such as mood symptoms, psychosis, memory problems, personality changes, and mutism [13].

It's essential to note that these symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the child's individual response. If you suspect a recurrent childhood brain tumor, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References: [1] - Context result 3 [3] - Context result 7 [14] - Context result 14 [15] - Context result 15

Diagnostic Tests for Recurrent Childhood Brain Tumors

Recurrent childhood brain tumors require accurate and timely diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. While various diagnostic tests are available, some clinical and histological markers have been rendered obsolete by advances in medical research.

• Imaging tests: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing suspected brain tumors, including recurrent childhood brain tumors [5]. MRI scans provide detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, helping to identify tumor location, size, and potential spread.
• Histologic verification: Histological examination of tumor tissue is essential for accurate diagnosis. This involves examining a sample of tumor cells under a microscope to determine the type of tumor and its aggressiveness [9].
• Neuraxis imaging: Complete neuraxis imaging, including MRI scans of the brain and total spine, may be necessary to assess the risk of neuraxis dissemination, which is tumor-type dependent [2].

Obsolete Clinical Markers

Some previously used clinical markers have been rendered obsolete by advances in medical research. These include:

• Location, age, and tumor grade: While these factors were once considered important in diagnosing brain tumors, they are no longer reliable indicators of tumor behavior or prognosis [7].
• Medulloblastoma markers: Similar to medulloblastoma, other clinical and histological markers have been rendered obsolete by advances in medical research.

Current Diagnostic Approaches

In contrast to these obsolete markers, current diagnostic approaches focus on:

• Gadolinium-enhanced MRI: This imaging modality is preferred for diagnosing suspected brain tumors, including recurrent childhood brain tumors [5].
• CSF cytologic testing: A CSF cytologic test may be performed once at each recurrence to assess tumor response to treatment [6].

References

[1] C Thorbinson (2021) - Akin to medulloblastoma, several clinical and histological putative markers have been rendered obsolete by the identification of ...

[2] Jun 17, 2024 - The risk of neuraxis dissemination is tumor type dependent, and complete neuraxis imaging, including MRIs of the brain and total spine, may be necessary.

[3] L Aiuppa (2020) - The assessment usually begins with imaging tests, most commonly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, spinal cord, or both, depending on the type of tumor.

[4] Jul 1, 2009 - A phase 2 trial of irinotecan (CPT-11) in children and adults with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

[5] C Thorbinson (2021) - Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing suspected brain tumors, including recurrent childhood brain tumors.

[6] Jun 17, 2024 - A CSF cytologic test may be performed once at each recurrence to assess tumor response to treatment.

[7] C Thorbinson (2021) - Location, age, and tumor grade are no longer reliable indicators of tumor behavior or prognosis.

[8] L Aiuppa (2020) - Histological examination of tumor tissue is essential for accurate diagnosis.

[9] Jul 1, 2009 - Histologic verification of tumor type is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various treatment options available for recurrent childhood brain tumors.

Treatment Options

• Tamoxifen citrate: An alternative approach to treating recurrent primary brain tumors is the use of the hormonal agent tamoxifen citrate [5].
• Everolimus and ribociclib: These drugs may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Everolimus works in combination with other chemotherapy agents, such as thalidomide, fenofibrate, celecoxib, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide [3, 6].
• Metronomic antiangiogenic drug combination: A treatment approach that involves the use of a metronomic antiangiogenic drug combination with intraventricular therapy has been shown to significantly prolong survival in patients with recurrent brain tumors [2].

Steroid Therapy

• Dexamethasone: This steroid is commonly prescribed to control cerebral edema and manage symptoms in brain tumor patients [8, 9].

It's worth noting that the prognosis for certain types of childhood brain tumors, such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), remains poor despite advances in treatment options [10, 12]. However, ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring new and innovative approaches to treating these aggressive tumors.

References:

[1] S Alomari · 2021 [2] A Peyrl · 2023 [3] A Peyrl · 2023 [5] MC Chamberlain · 1999 [6] [8] SM Chang [9] SM Chang [10] [12]

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several types of brain tumors that were previously considered to be recurrent in children, but may now have alternative differential diagnoses.

• Medulloblastoma: This is a type of brain tumor that was previously considered to be one of the most common malignant brain tumors in children. However, according to search result 2, medulloblastoma has distinct differences in classification, treatment, and outcome compared to other types of brain tumors.
• Pilocytic Astrocytoma: This is another type of brain tumor that was previously considered to be a common recurrent childhood brain tumor. However, as mentioned in search result 2, pilocytic astrocytoma has distinct differences in classification, treatment, and outcome compared to other types of brain tumors.
• Glioma: Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that can occur in children. According to search result 4, cystic, calcified, enhancing hemispheric parenchymal mass in a young patient isn't necessarily a glioma! This suggests that there may be alternative differential diagnoses for this type of tumor.
• Meningioma and Schwannoma: These are types of brain tumors that can occur in children. According to search result 4, cystic, calcified, enhancing hemispheric parenchymal mass in a young patient isn't necessarily a glioma! This suggests that there may be alternative differential diagnoses for this type of tumor.

It's worth noting that the field of pediatric brain tumors is constantly evolving, and new research and discoveries are being made regularly. As such, it's possible that some of these previously considered recurrent childhood brain tumors may now have alternative differential diagnoses.

References:

• Search result 2: The aim of this review is to describe the differences between classification, treatment, and outcome of medulloblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and ...
• Search result 4: Cystic, calcified, enhancing hemispheric parenchymal mass in a young patient isn't necessarily a glioma!
• Search result 10: Paediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most frequent brain tumours diagnosed in children and young adults, accounting for approximately 40% of all reported ...