Long-Term Follow-Up After Radiosurgery of Papillary Tumor of Pineal Region: 2 Case Reports and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Tumors of the pineal region are rare in adulthood, accounting for approximately 1% of intracranial neoplasms in this age range. Because of their rarity, it has proven to be difficult to establish the optimal therapy. Furthermore, microsurgical total resection in this eloquent location is associated with not low rates of morbidity.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe 2 patients diagnosed with papillary tumors of the pineal region by stereotactic biopsy and referred for Gamma Knife radiosurgery after shunting for hydrocephalus. We report a long-term follow-up of 15 and 20 years, respectively, showing a good response to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

After a diagnosis of papillary tumors of the pineal region, radiosurgery is an alternative treatment, with high local control and low morbidity.

[Rare cancers and new radiotherapy techniques]

Rare cancers represent about a quarter of all cancers diagnosed in Europe, and their incidence is increasing. Meanwhile, scientific advances provide techniques, which become more and more sophisticated in the domain of radiotherapy. Treatment options for radiotherapy rare cancers are increasing, but are not yet evaluated. The question of the appropriateness of treatment by modern radiotherapy techniques in rare cancers remains. There are a lot of cases reported in the literature for treating rare cancers by modern technology. These techniques are often used when anatomical and dosimetric constraints do not achieve optimal treatment by surgery or standard radiotherapy. In contrast, standard radiotherapy techniques also provide good results in terms of overall survival and tolerance. They are also less expensive and less complex in terms of dosimetry. The establishment of specialized centers in rare cancers seems essential to evaluate the appropriateness of the use of modern techniques in these cases. Currently, data from the literature does not provide an answer to this question.

Papillary tumor of the pineal region. Report of two cases and literature review

Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) was introduced to the WHO classification in 2007. This rare tumor of little known natural history and unpredictable behavior was described in fewer than 100 cases. Its optimal treatment is not established yet. We report another two cases of PTPR in whom tumors were totally removed via supracerebellar infratentorial approach and both were treated with radiotherapy. In a 37-year-old man the operation was delayed 6 years after the first tumor diagnosis and subsequent shunt placement. He has no complaints 10 years after the onset of the disease. A 45-year-old woman has no complaints 24 months after surgery. Our experience and the data from literature indicate that a total tumor removal is the major prognostic factor.