title: Pediatric diencephalic gliomas--a review of 18 cases.
abstract: Eighteen cases of biopsy-proven pediatric diencephalic gliomas are reviewed in terms of clinical presentation, radiographic features and pathological findings. Treatment included radiation therapy (RT) in 14, chemotherapy in 4 and conservative management in 3. Actuarial survival and quality of life are analyzed. We conclude that: (1) thalamic involvement portends a poor prognosis both in terms of histology and survival, (2) beneficial effects of RT are difficult to demonstrate and (3) therapy for pediatric diencephalic gliomas should be individualized and long-term spontaneous remissions may occur.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida School of Medicine, Gainesville.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Mickle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013788:Thalamus / Q000503:physiopathology*