Radiation-induced adult medulloblastoma: a two-case report and review of the literature

J Neurooncol. 2011 Jul;103(3):745-9. doi: 10.1007/s11060-010-0426-z. Epub 2010 Oct 9.

Abstract

Radiation-induced medulloblastoma is an exceedingly rare phenomenon for which treatment standards have not been established. The literature suggests that these tumors are high grade with aggressive behavior. We report two cases of radiation-induced medulloblastoma which have been treated with full dose re-irradiation with curative intent. In both cases, treatment toxicity and tumor progression proved to be insurmountable obstacles. Further reports are necessary in order to fully characterize this clinical entity so that more effective therapies may be sought.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / radiotherapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Craniopharyngioma / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Medulloblastoma / diagnosis
  • Medulloblastoma / drug therapy
  • Medulloblastoma / etiology*
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • MAP2 protein, human
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins