Pilocytic astrocytomas with leptomeningeal dissemination: biological behavior, clinical course, and therapeutical options.

Publikation

Pilocytic astrocytomas with leptomeningeal dissemination: biological behavior, clinical course, and therapeutical options.

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 22.05.2003

Buschmann Ute, Gers Bettina, Hildebrandt Gerhard

Zitation

Buschmann U, Gers B, Hildebrandt G. Pilocytic astrocytomas with leptomeningeal dissemination: biological behavior, clinical course, and therapeutical options. Childs Nerv Syst 2003; 19:298-304.

Art

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review (Englisch)

Zeitschrift

Childs Nerv Syst 2003; 19

Veröffentlichungsdatum

22.05.2003

ISSN (Druck)

0256-7040

Seiten

298-304

Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung

The aim of this case-based update is to discuss the biological characteristics, clinical course, and optimal treatment of pediatric patients harboring pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) with leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD). PAs are well-recognized benign pediatric tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite a favorable outcome in general, in rare cases LMD might occur and contribute to poor clinical course. Localization of the PA in the chiasmo-hypothalamic region seems especially predisposed to LMD. In addition, specific histological features might constitute the potential for subarachnoid metastases. The optimal treatment is still under discussion but studies suggest that chemotherapeutical treatment should be used as first choice therapy in order to avoid or delay radiotherapy.