Salvage chemotherapy for metastatic and recurrent ependymoma of childhood.
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy has limited role in the up-front management of ependymoma. At the time of recurrence, the role of chemotherapy is also ill defined and the choice of chemotherapeutic agents is often arbitrary, based on anecdotal data and personal experience.


METHODS
The purpose of this review is to describe and critically analyze the published literature on chemotherapy in patients with recurrent and metastatic ependymoma.


CONCLUSIONS
The disappointing response rate with single agents (12.9%) and combinations (17.4%) emphasizes the need to re-evaluate the current chemotherapeutic approach of intracranial ependymoma, and biological studies are needed to identify targets that may be considered for clinical trials.
Bouffet
Eric
E
Paediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G1X8, Canada. eric.bouffet@sickkids.ca
Capra
Michael
M
Bartels
Ute
U
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016879:Salvage Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy