Pediatric papillary tumors of the pineal region: to observe or to treat following gross total resection?
BACKGROUND
Papillary tumors of the pineal region (PTPR) are rare brain tumors characterized by frequent local recurrences. Standardized treatment strategies are not yet defined.


METHODS
We present the case of a 3-year-old girl diagnosed with PTPR. Due to her young age, adjuvant radiotherapy was omitted after gross total tumor resection. Thirty-six months later, local tumor recurrence occurred. Considering the possible risks of secondary surgery, the recurrent tumor was irradiated with proton radiotherapy. Three months later, the tumor showed near-complete remission.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this experience and other pediatric case reports from the literature, local radiotherapy might be suggested also after complete tumor resection.
Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Lucia
L
Abela
Elisabeth Jane
EJ
Rushing
Carmen
C
Ares
Ianina
I
Scheer
Oliver
O
Bozinov
Eugen
E
Boltshauser
Michael A
MA
Grotzer
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010871:Pinealoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome