Brain Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Brain Cancer, including details on symptoms, benign and malignant tumors, gliomas, treatment.

The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to achieve complete surgical resection in recurring supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma.

Valera ET, Machado HR, Santos AC, de Oliveira RS, Araújo D, Neder L, Tone LG

Pediatric Department, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. elvisvalera@hotmail.com

INTRODUCTION: Ependymoma is a central nervous system neoplasm that is often managed with surgery and radiotherapy. The benefits of chemotherapy in treating this tumor remain poorly defined. CASE REPORT: The use of a platinum-based chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant treatment to permit complete surgical resection of a supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma recurring for the third time is described. DISCUSSION: This paper also discusses the possible use of chemotherapy as a strategy that may allow tumor shrinkage and ease tumor resection in giant recurring ependymomas.

Published 2 March 2005 in Childs Nerv Syst, 21(3): 230-3.
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