Recurrent spinal ependymoma showing partial remission under Imatimib.
BACKGROUND
There are few treatment options for recurrent spinal ependymoma after surgery and radiation therapy.


METHODS
We present a patient with recurrent spinal ependymoma who received radiation therapy after laminectomy and partial tumor resection. Months later, the patient developed gait paresis. MRT showed tumor recurrence and partial resection was again performed. Oral cytotoxic chemotherapy with Temozolomide was initiated. After a short relief, there was clinical worsening and MRT showed progressive disease. As the tumor had stained positively for platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, treatment with Imatimib was initiated.


RESULTS
The patient experienced improvement in neurological symptoms and the following MRT revealed slight tumor regression. She remained stable for a total of 11 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Imatimib should be considered a potential therapeutic option in recurrent ependymomas expressing PDGF receptor.
Fakhrai
N
N
Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Oncology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Neophytou
P
P
Dieckmann
K
K
Nemeth
A
A
Prayer
D
D
Hainfellner
J
J
Marosi
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012074:Remission Induction; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor