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Wong TT, Tsai ML, Chang H, Hsieh KLC, Ho DMT, Lin SC, Yen HJ, Chen YW, Lee HL, Yang TF. Brain and Spinal Tumors Originating from the Germ Line Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1405:421-455. [PMID: 37452948 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-23705-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCTs) are part of the GCTs in children and adults. This tumor entity presents with geographic variation, age, and sex predilection. There are two age peaks of incidence distribution at the first few months of life and in adolescence. CNS GCTs are heterogeneous in histopathological subtypes, locations, and tumor marker (AFP, β-hCG) secretions. In the WHO CNS tumor classification, GCTS are classified as germinoma and nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) with different subtypes (including teratoma). Excluding mature teratoma, the remaining NGGCTs are malignant (NGMGCT). In teratoma, growing teratoma syndrome and teratoma with somatic-type malignancy should be highlighted. The common intracranial locations are pineal region, neurohypophysis (NH), bifocal pineal-NH, basal ganglia, and cerebral ventricle. Above 50% of intracranial GCTs (IGCTs) present obstructive hydrocephalus. Spinal tumors are rare. Age, locations, hydrocephalus, and serum/CSF titer of β-hCG correlate with clinical manifestations. Delayed diagnosis is common in tumors arising in neurohypophysis, bifocal, and basal ganglia resulting in the increasing of physical dysfunction and hormonal deficits. Staging work-up includes CSF cytology for tumor cells and contrast-enhanced MRI of brain and spine for macroscopic metastasis before treatment commences. The therapeutic approach of CNS GCTs integrates locations, histopathology, staging, tumor marker level, and therapeutic classification. Treatment strategies include surgical biopsy/excision, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (single or combination). Secreting tumors with consistent imaging may not require histopathological diagnosis. Primary germinomas are highly radiosensitive and the therapeutic aim is to maintain high survival rate using optimal radiotherapy regimen with/without chemotherapy combination. Primary NGNGCTs are less radiosensitive. The therapeutic aim is to increase survival utilizing more intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The negative prognostic factors are residue disease at the end of treatment and serum or CSF AFP level >1000 ng/mL at diagnosis. In refractory or recurrent NMGGCTs, besides high-dose chemotherapy, new therapy is necessary. Molecular profiling and analysis help for translational research. Survivors of pediatric brain tumors frequently experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, physical disability, pituitary hormone deficiency, and other CNS complications after cranial radiotherapy. Continuous surveillance and assessment may lead to improvements in treatment protocols, transdisciplinary interventions, after-treatment rehabilitation, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Tong Wong
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
| | - Min-Lan Tsai
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chang
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Li-Chun Hsieh
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Donald Ming-Tak Ho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ju Yen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wei Chen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Fen Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Metzger S, Weiser A, Gerber NU, Otth M, Scheinemann K, Krayenbühl N, Grotzer MA, Guerreiro Stucklin AS. Central nervous system tumors in children under 5 years of age: a report on treatment burden, survival and long-term outcomes. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:307-317. [PMID: 35147892 PMCID: PMC9021074 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03963-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The challenges of treating central nervous system (CNS) tumors in young children are many. These include age-specific tumor characteristics, limited treatment options, and susceptibility of the developing CNS to cytotoxic therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term survival, health-related, and educational/occupational outcomes of this vulnerable patient population. Methods Retrospective study of 128 children diagnosed with a CNS tumor under 5 years of age at a single center in Switzerland between 1990 and 2019. Results Median age at diagnosis was 1.81 years [IQR, 0.98–3.17]. Median follow-up time of surviving patients was 8.39 years [range, 0.74–23.65]. The main tumor subtypes were pediatric low-grade glioma (36%), pediatric high-grade glioma (11%), ependymoma (16%), medulloblastoma (11%), other embryonal tumors (7%), germ cell tumors (3%), choroid plexus tumors (6%), and others (9%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 78.8% (95% CI, 71.8–86.4%) for the whole cohort. Eighty-seven percent of survivors > 5 years had any tumor- or treatment-related sequelae with 61% neurological complications, 30% endocrine sequelae, 17% hearing impairment, and 56% visual impairment at last follow-up. Most patients (72%) attended regular school or worked in a skilled job at last follow-up. Conclusion Young children diagnosed with a CNS tumor experience a range of complications after treatment, many of which are long-lasting and potentially debilitating. Our findings highlight the vulnerabilities of this population, the need for long-term support and strategies for rehabilitation, specifically tailored for young children. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-022-03963-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Metzger
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette Weiser
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas U Gerber
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Otth
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Scheinemann
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Krayenbühl
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael A Grotzer
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana S Guerreiro Stucklin
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Enayet A. Brain tumors in the first two years of life. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41984-021-00130-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Brain tumors in the first years of life are frequently encountered recently with the advancement in neuroimaging, neurosurgery and neuroanethesia where early diagnosis of these lesions became available even before birth. Their management is challenging where the surgery is technically demanding, radiotherapy is omitted in this age because of its late sequelae and chemotherapy role may be beneficial, but it is limited also by its side effects and neurotoxicity. The aim of this article is to review the current literature about the brain tumors in the first two years of life, their diagnosis and treatment.
Main body
Brain tumors in the first two years of life encompass mainly fetal/congenital tumors and infantile tumors. They account for 1.4–18% of cases of pediatric brain tumor, and most of them are diagnosed in the first year of life. The main histopathologies diagnosed are glial tumors, choroid plexus tumors, medulloblastoma and other embryonal tumors, teratoma and ependymoma. They are mainly supratentorial. Large head and bulging fontanelles are the main presenting symptoms and signs secondary to increased intracranial pressure secondary to large tumors or associated hydrocephalus. Prenatal and postnatal ultrasonography represents the initial imaging step in the diagnosis that should be complemented by MRI and CT brain. The main and first line of treatment of infantile brain tumors is surgical excision as the prognosis is directly related to the extent of resection besides surgery offers specimens for histopathological diagnosis and adjuvant chemotherapy is given for residual irresectable cases and malignant tumors with the main aim to delay radiotherapy beyond the age of three years.
Conclusion
Brain tumors in the first two years of life are a challenging group of different histopathological entities with underlying specific molecular characterization and genetic predispositions. They have aggressive behavior and general poor prognosis with limited options of management. Individualized multidisciplinary management for each case is needed, and future studies for therapeutic medications targeting underlying molecular biology may improve their outcome.
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Miranda Pereira M, Befi-Lopes DM, Soares AJC, Sassi FC, de Andrade CRF. Linguistic-Cognitive Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: An Exploratory Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1285-1295. [PMID: 34103929 PMCID: PMC8179787 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s313795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer of childhood. Impairment in linguistic and memory skills is a possible late sequela in cancer survivors that can limit their quality of life and the overall performance of the individual in society. There is evidence that survivors of ALL treated exclusively with chemotherapy demonstrate significant differences in long-term linguistic and memory functions and also changes in neuroanatomical integrity. However, most studies described do not count on a speech-language pathologist in their team, which we consider important to discuss. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess memory and vocabulary skills in the pediatric population diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia during chemotherapy treatment. Materials and Methods An observational cohort study was conducted over a 1.8-year period. Participants of this research were children diagnosed with ALL. All participants were assessed on their linguistic-cognitive skills (ie, vocabulary, short-term memory and lexical access). All data underwent statistical analyses. Results The results of the current study found no major significant difference in the linguistic-cognitive performance of children with ALL and their healthy controls. Regarding the linguistic variables, we believe that there should be a differentiation between the effects of the drugs and the effects of social communication skills on performance. Conclusion This first characterization of the linguistic-cognitive abilities of children with ALL did not identify differences between these children and their healthy peers, although we were able to identify variables regarding the multidisciplinary team and social communication that should be considered in future studies.
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Simone V, Rizzo D, Cocciolo A, Caroleo AM, Carai A, Mastronuzzi A, Tornesello A. Infantile Brain Tumors: A Review of Literature and Future Perspectives. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040670. [PMID: 33917833 PMCID: PMC8068230 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in infants including those diagnosed in fetal age, newborns and under a year old represent less than 10% of pediatric nervous system tumors and present differently when compared with older children in terms of clinical traits, location and histology. The most frequent clinical finding is a macrocephaly but non-specific symptoms can also be associated. The prognosis is usually poor and depends on several factors. Surgery continues to be the main option in terms of therapeutic strategies whereas the role of chemotherapy is not yet well defined and radiotherapy is exceptionally undertaken. In view of this situation, a molecular characterization could assist in providing therapeutic options for these tumors. This review highlights the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in infants with a particular focus on the molecular landscape and future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Simone
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (D.R.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Daniela Rizzo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Cocciolo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Maria Caroleo
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.M.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.M.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Assunta Tornesello
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (D.R.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (A.T.)
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Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including brain and spinal cord tumors, are the most common solid tumors of childhood. Within the neonatal population, however, CNS tumors are relatively rare. These often carry a dismal prognosis in part due to the limited therapeutic options available for newborns and the unique biology of these tumors compared with those seen in older infants and children. This article reviews neonatal CNS tumors, specifically their clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment, prognosis, and associated genetic syndromes. The unique psychosocial and emotional challenges facing clinicians and families are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubin Shahab
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive Northeast HSRB E397, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Jason Fangusaro
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1405 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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7
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Liu APY, Hastings C, Wu S, Bass JK, Heitzer AM, Ashford J, Vestal R, Hoehn ME, Ghazwani Y, Acharya S, Conklin HM, Boop F, Merchant TE, Gajjar A, Qaddoumi I. Treatment burden and long-term health deficits of patients with low-grade gliomas or glioneuronal tumors diagnosed during the first year of life. Cancer 2019; 125:1163-1175. [PMID: 30620400 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and low-grade glioneuronal tumors (LGGNTs) diagnosed during the first year of life carry unique clinical characteristics and challenges in management. However, data on the treatment burden, outcomes, and morbidities are lacking. METHODS A retrospective study of LGGs and LGGNTs diagnosed in patients younger than 12 months at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (1986-2015) was conducted. RESULTS For the 51 patients (including 31 males), the mean age at diagnosis was 6.47 months (range, 0.17-11.76 months), and the mean follow-up period was 11.8 years (range, 0.21-29.19 years). Tumor locations were hypothalamic/optic pathway (61%), hemispheric (12%), brainstem (12%), cerebellar (8%), and spinal (8%). There were 41 patients with histological diagnoses: 28 had World Health Organization grade 1 tumors, 6 had grade 2 tumors, and 7 had an LGG/LGGNT not definitively graded. Forty-one patients required an active intervention at diagnosis. Throughout their treatment course, 41 patients eventually underwent tumor-directed surgeries (median, 2 surgeries; range, 1-6), 39 received chemotherapy (median, 2 regimens; range, 1-13), and 21 received radiotherapy. Forty patients experienced disease progression (median, 2 progressions; range, 1-18). Ten patients died of progression (n = 5), malignant transformation (n = 2), a second cancer (n = 2), or a shunt infection (n = 1). The 10-year overall survival, progression-free survival, and radiation-free survival rates were 85% ± 5.3%, 16.9% ± 5.3%, and 51.2% ± 7.5%, respectively. Forty-nine patients experienced health deficits (eg, endocrinopathies, obesity, seizures, visual/hearing impairments, neurocognitive impairments, and cerebrovascular disease). Predictors of progression and toxicities were defined. CONCLUSIONS Infantile LGG/LGGNT is a chronic, progressive disease universally associated with long-term morbidities and requires multidisciplinary intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P Y Liu
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Camden Hastings
- Pediatric Oncology Education Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shengjie Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Johnnie K Bass
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Rehabilitation Services, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Andrew M Heitzer
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jason Ashford
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Robert Vestal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Mary E Hoehn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.,Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Yahya Ghazwani
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Sahaja Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Heather M Conklin
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Frederick Boop
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.,Le Bonheur Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Semmes Murphey Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Thomas E Merchant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Amar Gajjar
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ibrahim Qaddoumi
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Bodeliwala S, Kumar V, Singh D. Neonatal Brain Tumors: A Review. J Neonatal Surg 2017; 6:30. [PMID: 28770127 PMCID: PMC5538596 DOI: 10.21699/jns.v6i2.579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in neonatal age group is uncommon comparing with older children and adults. In older children brain tumors are commonly infratentorial, where as in neonates, they are supratentorial. Though extracranial tumors are commoner in neonates, brain tumors cause 5-20% deaths approximately. We are presenting a review on brain tumors in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaam Bodeliwala
- Department of Neurosurgery, G. B. Pant Institute of Postgraduate Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, G. B. Pant Institute of Postgraduate Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi
| | - Daljit Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, G. B. Pant Institute of Postgraduate Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi
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Lin TY, Ebb DH, Boepple PA, Thiele EA, Rincon SP, Mordes DA. Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 12-2015. A newborn boy with respiratory distress, lethargy, and hypernatremia. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1550-62. [PMID: 25875261 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc1400837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Castellino SM, Ullrich NJ, Whelen MJ, Lange BJ. Developing interventions for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju186. [PMID: 25080574 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer frequently experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, commonly months to years after treatment for pediatric brain tumors, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or tumors involving the head and neck. Risk factors for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction include young age at diagnosis, treatment with cranial irradiation, use of parenteral or intrathecal methotrexate, female sex, and pre-existing comorbidities. Limiting use and reducing doses and volume of cranial irradiation while intensifying chemotherapy have improved survival and reduced the severity of cognitive dysfunction, especially in leukemia. Nonetheless, problems in core functional domains of attention, processing speed, working memory and visual-motor integration continue to compromise quality of life and performance. We review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and assessment of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, the impact of treatment changes for prevention, and the broad strategies for educational and pharmacological interventions to remediate established cognitive dysfunction following childhood cancer. The increased years of life saved after childhood cancer warrants continued study toward the prevention and remediation of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, using uniform assessments anchored in functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M Castellino
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL).
| | - Nicole J Ullrich
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL)
| | - Megan J Whelen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL)
| | - Beverly J Lange
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC); Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (SMC, MJW); Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (NJU); Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (BJL)
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Al-Hussaini M, Swaidan M, Al-Jumaily U, Musharbash A. Central nervous system tumors in the first year of life: a clinical and pathologic experience from a single cancer center. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:1883-91. [PMID: 23525892 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-013-2081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to review our experience with central nervous system (CNS) tumors occurring during the first year of life and to report differing features found in our series. METHODS This is a retrospective study of infants with CNS tumors diagnosed at our institution from 2006 to 2011. RESULTS A total of 19 cases were identified, with a median age of 232 days and predominance of male gender. Males were younger than females at the time of diagnosis (p value = 0.039). There were 13 low-grade tumors, glial tumors being the most common (11/13, p value = 0.003) and six high-grade tumors, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor being the most common (4/6). Low-grade tumors predominated in the supratentorial region, while high-grade tumors were seen in the infratentorial area (p value = 0.035). Males had a predilection to have more supratentorial tumors (p value = 0.058). Four patients underwent gross total resection, and eight received chemotherapy; none received radiotherapy. Two patients had spinal cord tumors; both were of pilomyxoid astrocytoma histology. Rare tumors included hemangiopericytoma (n = 1) and atypical choroid plexus tumor (n = 1), both occurring in the supratentorial area and affecting the youngest patients in this group; they were diagnosed prenatally and at 107 days, respectively. The median progression-free and overall survivals were 269 and 667 days, respectively. Among all tested parameters, only the grade of the tumor affected the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis and management of infant's CNS tumors remain challenging. Pathologists should be aware of the diversity of histological types. Assigning appropriate tumor grade is fundamental in predicting the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street, P.O. Box 1269, Al-Jubeiha, Amman, 11941, Jordan,
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