Paclitaxel as a radiosensitizer combined with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent medulloblastoma.
This report describes the treatment of a 39-year-old man with recurrent medulloblastoma previously treated with extensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A novel treatment technique combining paclitaxel (275 mg IV bolus) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (30 Gy in six fractions over 3 weeks) was given to palliate the patient's significant neurologic symptoms. The patient experienced a significant improvement both radiographically and in the quality of his life at follow-up 5 months after completion of treatment. No toxicity has been observed. The treatment of medulloblastoma with paclitaxel and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, either alone or in combination, merits further investigation.
Gannett
D E
DE
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724, USA.
Hill
D
D
Hamilton
A J
AJ
Stea
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008527:Medulloblastoma / Q000601:surgery*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D017239:Paclitaxel