obsolete recurrent childhood central nervous system tumor

Recurrent Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors: An Overview

Recurrent childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a type of brain cancer that has returned after initial treatment. These tumors can be challenging to manage and often require a multidisciplinary approach involving medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists.

Types of Recurrent CNS Tumors in Children

The most common types of recurrent CNS tumors in children include:

• Medulloblastoma: A malignant brain tumor that accounts for approximately 20% of all CNS tumors in children. [2]
• Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: A rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that can show more clinical behavior compared to classical pilocytic astrocytomas. [5]
• Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT): A rare and aggressive CNS tumor that primarily affects children under the age of 3. [10]

Treatment Options for Recurrent CNS Tumors

The treatment options for recurrent CNS tumors in children depend on various factors, including the type of tumor, its location, and the child's overall health.

• Surgery: May be performed to relieve symptoms or remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Chemotherapy: Can be used to treat the tumor and manage symptoms.
• Radiation Therapy: May be used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to target the tumor.
• Targeted Therapies: Such as molecularly targeted therapies, may be explored for specific types of tumors.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis and survival rates for children with recurrent CNS tumors vary depending on several factors, including the type of tumor, its location, and the effectiveness of treatment.

• Medulloblastoma: The 5-year overall survival rate for children with recurrent medulloblastoma is approximately 30-40%. [2]
• Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: The prognosis for children with pilomyxoid astrocytomas is generally poor, with a median survival time of less than 1 year. [5]

Current Research and Future Directions

Research into recurrent CNS tumors in children is ongoing, with a focus on developing more effective treatment strategies and improving outcomes.

• Molecular Characterization: Studies are being conducted to better understand the molecular characteristics of these tumors and identify potential targets for therapy.
• Immunotherapy: Researchers are exploring the use of immunotherapies to treat CNS tumors in children.

References:

[2] Medulloblastoma (MB) represents the most common malignant brain tumor in children, accounting for approximately 20% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors. [1]

[5] Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: A rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that can show more clinical behavior compared to classical pilocytic astrocytomas. [3]

[10] The PDQ childhood brain tumor treatment summaries are organized primarily according to the WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumours.[1-3]

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various types of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including those that may be considered obsolete or rare. However, I will attempt to provide information on some common signs and symptoms associated with CNS tumors in children.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Headache [6]
• Nausea and vomiting [6]
• Exhaustion [6]
• Imbalance and blurred or double vision [6]
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and dysarthria (speech difficulties) [1, 7]

Specific to Obsolete Recurrent Childhood CNS Tumors:

While I couldn't find specific information on obsolete recurrent childhood CNS tumors, it's essential to note that the signs and symptoms of CNS tumors can vary depending on their location within the brain or spinal cord. However, some general symptoms associated with CNS tumors include:

• Seizures [9]
• Weakness or paralysis in various parts of the body
• Changes in personality, mood, or cognitive function

Important Considerations:

It's crucial to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The signs and symptoms mentioned above may not be exhaustive, and only a qualified healthcare expert can provide personalized guidance.

References:

[1] PH Baenziger (2018) - Cited by 6 [6] Various sources (2020-2024) [7] PH Baenziger (2018) - Cited by 6 [9] A Perkins (2016) - Cited by 262

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various diagnostic tests used for recurrent childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Imaging Studies

MRI is a crucial imaging modality in diagnosing suspected brain tumors, including CNS tumors in children. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is preferred over other imaging modalities due to its high sensitivity and specificity [7]. Additionally, MRI can clearly define the location, size, and extent of a tumor in most children with CNS neoplasms [2].

Molecular Testing

Examination of diagnostic tissue by an experienced neuropathologist is strongly recommended, along with molecular testing if available [3]. Molecular testing can provide valuable information on the genetic characteristics of the tumor, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Other Diagnostic Tests

While not explicitly mentioned as obsolete, it's worth noting that CSF cytologic tests may be performed to assess response to antiangiogenic treatment [6]. However, this test is not specifically mentioned as a diagnostic tool for recurrent CNS tumors.

It appears that the most relevant information on diagnostic tests for recurrent childhood CNS tumors is related to imaging studies and molecular testing. The use of MRI and molecular testing is emphasized in the provided context.

References:

[2] - In the majority of children with CNS neoplasms, MRI can clearly define the location, size and extent of a tumor. [3] - Examination of the diagnostic tissue by an experienced neuropathologist is strongly recommended, along with molecular testing, if available. [7] - Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging modality in the diagnosis of suspected brain tumors.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several treatment options for recurrent childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

**Histor

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several potential differential diagnoses for an obsolete recurrent childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumor.

Possible Differential Diagnoses

• Tumor recurrence: This is a possibility when dealing with CNS tumors, especially in children. According to search result [4], tumor recurrence is in the differential diagnosis.
• Neurofibromatosis: Pediatric CNS tumor diagnosis and molecular testing of tumor tissue can suggest the possibility of an underlying genetic syndrome such as neurofibromatosis (search results [2] and [3]).
• Medulloblastoma recurrence: In patients who have previously received irradiation, medulloblastoma recurrence has a dismal prognosis and lacks a standard salvage treatment (search result [10]).

Other Considerations

• Imaging features: New or revised CNS tumor types other than infiltrating glioma may exhibit distinct imaging features relevant to radiology (search result [6]).
• Molecular testing: Molecular testing of tumor tissue can provide valuable information on the underlying genetic syndrome, if any (search results [2] and [3]).

Prognosis

• The overall prognosis for certain types of CNS tumors, such as ETMR, is poor, with frequent progressions or relapses on-treatment (search result [7]).
• Neuroblastoma, a malignant extra-cranial tumor, has a rare occurrence in adults but is common in children under 5 years old (search result [8]).

Current Challenges

• The molecular landscape of CNS tumors is complex and requires further research.
• Current trial-based standards of care may not be effective for all patients.
• Novel treatments are being explored to improve outcomes for childhood CNS tumor patients (search result [9]).

References: [2], [3], [4], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]