Diffuse brainstem gliomas in children. A nightmare for a paediatric oncologist.

Czech version

Authors: Z. Pavelka ¹; K. Zitterbart ¹; T. Pavlík ²; L. Křen ³; M. Votava ⁴; J. Ventruba ⁵; E. Brichtová ⁵; J. Skotáková ⁶; P. Šlampa ⁷; H. Ošlejšková ⁸
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika dětské onkologie LF MU a FN Brno-PDM ¹; Institut biostatistiky a analýz PřF MU a LF MU Brno ²; Ústav patologie LF MU a FN Brno-PMDV ³; Ústav soudního lékařství LF MU a FN U sv. Anny v Brně ⁴; Neurochirurgické oddělení, KDCHOaT LF MU a FN Brno-PDM ⁵; Klinika dětské radiologie LF MU a FN Brno-PDM ⁶; Klinika radiační onkologie, Masarykův onkologický ústav, Brno ⁷; Klinika dětské neurologie, LF MU a FN Brno-PDM ⁸
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2008; 71/104(1): 41-46
Category: Review Article

Overview

Children with diffuse brainstem gliomas represent the cathegory of patients with extremly poor prognosis. Their diagnosis is based upon typical magnetic resonance imaging, histological confirmation is usually not required. Radiotherapy has been essential and the only accepted treatment modality, but it only extends progression free survival. The role for chemotherapy is unclear an it has been a part of investigational studies. Less then 10% of children with diffuse brainstem gliomas survive 2 years. These children are the ideal cancidates for new therapeutic strategies.

Key words:
difusse brainstem glioma, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, prognosis

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