Medulloblastoma - late outcome.
Long-term survivors of medulloblastoma do occur, even in high-risk groups. Infants and toddlers surviving past the age of 21 years can expect significant intellectual impairment if their radiation therapy was given at approximately 2 years of age. If radiation therapy is delayed or avoided, most of those who survive long term are in a regular school classroom. All of the latter had complete tumor resection. Sixty-two percent of children who received conventional radiation therapy (mean 24 Gy) developed primary hypothyroidism. Tumor markers and improved understanding of tumor biology may lead to more effective surveillance monitoring.
Todd
A
Department of Pediatrics, Lutheran General Children's Hospital, Park Ridge, IL 60068, USA
Ruge
J