Idiosyncratic differentiation in medulloblastoma - a report of two exceptional cases

26-year-old man with a cerebellar mass

Medulloblastoma accounts for only 1% of all adult CNS tumors. Recently, we have encountered a case of medulloblastoma in a 26 year old man with divergent differentiation including myoblastic, glial, osteoblastic and chondroblastic differentiation. Here we present the results of immunohistochemical staining using several specific antibodies with a discussion and a review of literature.

The tumor biology and molecular characteristics of medulloblastoma identifying prognostic factors associated with survival outcomes and prognosis

Medulloblastomas (MB) are highly aggressive primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) usually located in the posterior fossa. Current treatment for MBs, which includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, remain challenging especially in younger patients. However, advances in the understanding of regulatory pathways in cerebellar development have elucidated possible areas of dysfunction involved in tumorigenesis. Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of the sonic hedgehog, Wnt, and Notch pathways in MB pathogenesis at the molecular level. While staging and prognosis are often based on the Chang classification system, future algorithms will involve identifying molecular markers in order to allow for more specific risk stratifications of various MB subtypes and provide improved correlation with staging and prognosis. Future development of novel therapies that target the heterogeneity of MB and are tailored to the tumor's unique molecular profile may yield improved outcomes for these patients.