Medulloblastoma in adults

Abstract

In this study, the clinical outcome and prognostic factors of adult medulloblastoma patients receiving multimodal treatment were investigated. The clinical manifestations, treatment variables, and outcome of adult patients with medulloblastoma at our institution between 1983 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 20 adult patients were included (median age 22 years). Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) was given postoperatively. The craniospinal axis received a median of 30 Gy (range 23.4-39.6 Gy) in fractions of 1.6-2 Gy/day, and the tumor was boosted to a total median dose of 50 Gy (range 50-55.25 Gy). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 45% and 50%, respectively. In univariate analysis, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) > 70, neurologic symptoms duration > 30 days, lateral tumor location, standard risk patients, no hydrocephalus, radiotherapy (RT) treatment field (CSI + brain boost), and CSI dose ≥ 30 Gy were associated with better DFS. Standard-risk patients, RT treatment field (CSI + brain boost), and CSI dose ≥ 30 Gy were also significantly associated with better OS. The combined modality treatment results in a favorable outcome for adult medulloblastoma patients. Further investigation of the prognostic factors, radiation-related factors, and systemic chemotherapy is needed.