title: Pilomyxoid astrocytoma: a review.
abstract: Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently described type of brain tumor. PMA shares similar features with pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumor in the pediatric population, yet displays subtle histologic differences. Previous studies have shown PMA to behave more aggressively than PA, with shorter progression-free and overall survival as well as a higher rate of recurrence and CNS dissemination. These findings suggest that PMA may be a unique and distinct neoplasm. This review summarizes the histologic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of PMA. In addition, the current treatment options and research endeavors involving this disease are described. Increased recognition of PMA within the medical community has the potential to affect the treatment and prognosis of pediatric low-grade astrocytomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Ricardo J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Komotar
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mocco
authors.forename: Benjamin S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Carson
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Sughrue
authors.forename: Brad E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Zacharia
authors.forename: Alexander C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Sisti
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Canoll
authors.forename: Alexander G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Khandji
authors.forename: Tarik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tihan
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Burger
authors.forename: Jeffery N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Bruce
mesh_terms: D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography