Primary pineal malignant melanoma

The effectiveness of combined resection and radiotherapy for primary pineal malignant melanoma: a systematic review

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of combined resection and radiotherapy (CRAR) for the treatment of primary pineal malignant melanoma (PPMM).

Methods

Relevant studies were identified through a literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 1899 to September 1, 2023. Then we further screened the literature according to the updated PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The article information, patient information, treatment, and survival rate were analyzed. The primary outcome measures the survival rate of CRAR compared with the overall patients and the patients without treatment. Secondary outcome measures operation methods, radiotherapy methods, and dose.

Results

In total, 28 published articles were recorded. Among them, 35.71% (10/28) articles were on CRAR. The median overall survival, CRAR, and no treatment survival were 65, 88, and 12 weeks, respectively. The median overall survival of CRAR was demonstrably better than that of no treatment (p < 0.0001) and overall survival, even with p = 0.1177. Most of the operations adopted a supracerebellar infratentorial approach, and stereotactic radiation to tumor bed usually ranged between 50 and 60 Gy. Small dose and multiple fractions was the most popular radiotherapy method.

Conclusion

Currently, CRAR, compared with other treatments, is more beneficial to prolonging the survival of PPMM patients. However, many more clinical cases are needed to verify it as the best treatment approach.

Combined microscope and endoscopy total resection of primary pineal malignant melanoma: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Primary pineal malignant melanoma (PPMM) is a rare entity of primary central nervous system melanomas, with only 26 cases reported in the literature to date.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 65-year-old male with a PPMM who has prolonged survival of more than 104 weeks after combined microsurgical and endoscopic total resection. This is the first report: combined microscope and endoscopy total resection; PPMM in China; PPMM with total resection alone.

CONCLUSION

Combined microscope and endoscopy total resection is beneficial to prolong the survival of patients. But the best approach to treatment needs verification from more clinical cases in future.

Primary Solitary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma: A Systematic Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION

Primary solitary intracranial malignant melanoma (PIMM) is extremely rare. In 1992, an extensive review of 81 patients with PIMM was undertaken. Imaging studies, microsurgery, and adjuvant therapy have developed considerably over the last 25 years, and targeted therapy recently has been proven successful for metastatic melanoma. These factors could influence current and future clinical PIMM results.

METHODS

We undertook a literature search of PIMM patients since 1992.

RESULTS

We reviewed 49 cases of PIMM. The mean age was 45.8 years. No significant sex difference was found. Intracranial hypertension and focal neurologic deficits were commonly observed around 70% and 40%, respectively. There were no significant differences of survival period according to tumor sites. Surgeries were performed in 42 of 49 patients with PIMM reviewed (92%). The mean survival of the gross total removal group was significantly longer than that of surgical results (>22 months vs. 12 months (interquartile range: 5-22 months; P = 0.026). For adjuvant therapy, 9 patients underwent chemotherapy and 18 patients underwent radiotherapy postoperatively There was no significant difference in survival period between with and without adjuvant therapies. Leptomeningeal enhancement diagnosed in the initial MRI, was the worst prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Gross total removal of the PIMM was the most promising treatment. Currently adjuvant therapy has not been associated with the survival period. To improve clinical outcome, immunotherapy and targeted therapies are likely to become more important.

Primary pineal melanoma presenting with leptomeningeal spreading in a 22-year-old woman: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Primary malignant melanoma of the pineal region is exceedingly rare. We report a case of primary pineal malignant melanoma and review the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our patient was a 22-year-old Iranian woman without any significant past medical history, who was referred to our center with a four-week history of headache and gait disturbance. A magnetic resonance imaging study showed a solid mass in the pineal region causing obstructive hydrocephalus. A brain biopsy was performed and the histological examination indicated melanoma. No other additional melanocytic lesions were found elsewhere. Our patient underwent gross total resection. At the time of discharge she had fully recovered without any neurological deficits. Three weeks after discharge, she was readmitted to hospital with the diagnosis of distal deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; 12 weeks after the onset of her illness she died of cardiopulmonary arrest.

CONCLUSION

We have presented here a rare tumor, a primary malignant melanoma of the pineal region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second-youngest patient with such a tumor reported in the literature.