Case-based review: pediatric medulloblastoma.

Neurooncol Pract
Authors
Abstract

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor affecting children. These tumors are high grade with propensity to metastasize within the central nervous system and, less frequently, outside the neuraxis. Recent advancements in molecular subgrouping of medulloblastoma refine diagnosis and improve counseling in regards to overall prognosis. Both are predicated on the molecular drivers of each subgroup-WNT-activated, SHH-activated, group 3, and group 4. The traditional therapeutic mainstay for medulloblastoma includes a multimodal approach with surgery, radiation, and multiagent chemotherapy. As we discover more about the molecular basis of medulloblastoma, efforts to adjust treatment approaches based on molecular risk stratification are under active investigation. Certainly, the known neurological, developmental, endocrine, and psychosocial injury related to medulloblastoma and its associated therapies motivate ongoing research towards improving treatment for this life-threatening tumor while at the same time minimizing long-term side effects.

Year of Publication
2017
Journal
Neurooncol Pract
Volume
4
Issue
3
Pages
138-150
Date Published
2017 Sep
ISSN
2054-2577
DOI
10.1093/nop/npx011
PubMed ID
29692919
PubMed Central ID
PMC5909805
Links
Grant list
T32 CA128583 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States