The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to achieve complete surgical resection in recurring supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma.
BACKGROUND
Ependymoma is a central nervous system neoplasm that is often managed with surgery and radiotherapy. The benefits of chemotherapy in treating this tumor remain poorly defined.


METHODS
The use of a platinum-based chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant treatment to permit complete surgical resection of a supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma recurring for the third time is described.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper also discusses the possible use of chemotherapy as a strategy that may allow tumor shrinkage and ease tumor resection in giant recurring ependymomas.
Valera
Elvis Terci
ET
Pediatric Department, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. elvisvalera@hotmail.com
Machado
Helio Rubens
HR
Santos
Antonio Carlos
AC
de Oliveira
Ricardo Santos
RS
Araújo
David
D
Neder
Luciano
L
Tone
Luiz Gonzaga
LG
D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D015173:Supratentorial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome