Abstract

INTRODUCTIONPatients with high risk medulloblastoma are treated either with high dose chemotherapy or hyperfractionated radiotherapy. Both approaches are not feasible in resource-limited countries. POG9031 trial has reported favourable outcome for high risk medulloblastoma using standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy only. Hence, we have adopted the protocol using chemotherapy first approach due to logistical reasons.OBJECTIVETo review the outcome of children diagnosed with high risk medulloblastoma in Hospital Kuala Lumpur.METHODSPatients diagnosed with high risk medulloblastoma between January 2015 and June 2018 treated using the chemotherapy first approach as per POG9031 protocol were identified. Data was then extracted and analysed.RESULTSNine patients were identified, 3 boys and 9 girls. Median age was 9.3 years (range 2.6 – 15.9 years). Median follow up for survivors are 3.6 years. Five patients (55.6%) had macroscopic metastatic disease at diagnosis. All patients had significant residual disease post-op. Only 3 patients are disease free till last follow up, giving a 3 years event free survival of 16%. Of the 6 patients who had relapsed, 4 have died, giving a 3 years overall survival of 46%. Patients with no metastasis at diagnosis (M0) fared better with 3 years event free survival of 38%, but 3 years event free survival for patients with macroscopic metastatic disease (M+) was 0%.CONCLUSIONOutcome of children with high risk medulloblastoma treated with chemotherapy first approach was dismal.

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