Regional Cancer Center Experience Research Articles

Primary central nervous system lymphoma in immunocompetent patients: A regional cancer center experience.

Background:Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which occurs in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. It has an overall poor prognosis in spite of a multimodality treatment approach including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This study attempts to further delineate the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and radiological profile of PCNSL at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Karnataka, India.Materials and Methods:All the pathologically confirmed PCNSL cases between January 2010 and June 2016, at our center, were analyzed retrospectively. The influence of potential prognostic parameters on overall survival (OS) was investigated by log-rank test and Cox regression analysis.Results:Of the 26 PCNSL patients, 17 (65.3%) were males. Median age at diagnosis was 42.5 years. None of the patients had HIV or Epstein-Barr virus positivity and only four patients (15.4%) had B-symptoms. The most common location in the brain was cerebral hemispheres in 15 patients (57%) and 10 patients (38.5%) had multiple intracranial lesions. Histologically, all were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, except one case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Immunohistochemically, 18 patients (69%) had MUM 1 positivity and 20 cases (77%) belonged to nongerminal center subtype. DeAngelis protocol was followed in 24 patients (92%), and among this cohort, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Class 1 (n = 17) and Class 2 (n = 7) patients had a median OS of 25 months and 11 months, respectively.Conclusion:None of the potential prognostic factors had a statistically significant influence on OS in our patients. High-dose methotrexate combined with radiation is an effective therapeutic approach. However, further prospective studies with a large number of patients are needed to identify more effective primary chemotherapy regimens to further improve the treatment outcome.

P185 - An Irish regional cancer centre experience of impact of incidental pulmonary nodules detected during treatment for early stage breast cancer

P185 - An Irish regional cancer centre experience of impact of incidental pulmonary nodules detected during treatment for early stage breast cancer

Induction chemotherapy in locally advanced T4b oral cavity squamous cell cancers: A regional cancer center experience.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy, toxicity, and impact of induction chemotherapy (IC) in locally advanced T4b oral cavity squamous cell cancers (OSCCs). Patients diagnosed with locally advanced T4b OSCC from January 2013 to October 2016 at our center, who received 2-3 cycles of IC and then assessed for resectability, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' profile, response, and toxicity of IC, resectability status, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software version 17. A total of 116 patients received IC, and out of them 90 (77.6%) were males. Median age at diagnosis was 43 years (range 31-62 years). Nearly 103 (88.8%) of our patients received doublet chemotherapy and the rest of the patients received triplet regimen. Majority of the patients had buccal mucosa cancers (71.6%), followed by gingivobuccal complex (21.6%) and oral tongue (6.9%) primaries. After IC, partial response was achieved in 20 (17.3%) patients, stable disease in 68 (58.6%) patients, and disease progression was noted in 28 (24.1%) patients. Post-IC, resectability was achieved in 22 (19%) of 116 patients, but 6 of them did not undergo surgery due to logistic and personal reasons. The median OS of patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant local therapy (n = 16) was 19.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.0-22.8 months) and for those treated with nonsurgical local therapy (n = 100) was 7.1 months (95% CI: 5.8-8.2 months) (log-rank P = 0.000). IC had a manageable toxicity profile and achieved resectability in 19% of our patients with T4b OSCC. Patients underwent resection had a significantly better median OS than those who received nonsurgical local treatment.

First-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A regional cancer center experience.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is highly resistant to systemic chemotherapy, and historically a poor prognosis for metastatic disease has been reported, with a 5-year survival rate of <10%. Significant advances have been made in the last decade since the introduction of different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as sunitinib, pazopanib, and sorafenib. Unfortunately, even though the TKIs have been used for a long time, there are very few published data regarding the experience of TKI therapy in metastatic RCC (mRCC) from India. This is a single institutional review of mRCC patients treated between January 2012 and July 2017. Patients who received at least 1 month of first-line TKIs were included for analysis of response rates, toxicity, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors. Of the 40 mRCC patients, 31 (77.5%) were males. Median age at diagnosis was 58 years (range: 38-80 years). The most common site of metastasis was lungs (n = 24) followed by bone (n = 19) and liver (n = 7). Three patients had favorable risk disease, whereas 25 had intermediate risk and 12 had poor risk disease according to the MSKCC risk criteria. First-line TKI therapy used was sunitinib in 24, pazopanib in 11, and sorafenib in 5 patients. Toxicities of TKIs were Grade 1 or 2 in 13 patients and Grade 3 or 4 in 9 patients; the most common being fatigue, followed by hand-foot syndrome, skin rash, mucositis, and hypertension. Overall, 29 patients (72.5%) had disease control (complete responses in 1, partial responses in 10, and stable disease in 18 patients), whereas 11 had progression of disease at initial evaluation. At a median follow-up of 16 months (range: 2-38 months), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.8 months and median overall survival was 19.1 months. Sunitinib and pazopanib are viable first-line options for mRCC and showed a comparable PFS in Indian patients. Careful patient selection, tailoring of TKI doses, and careful toxicity management are essential for optimum therapy.

An audit and analysis of different causes of defaults in patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancers: A tertiary regional cancer center experience.

Strict adherence and timely completion of the external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) schedule is an important prognostic factor in the survival of head and neck cancer patients. However, many patients are unable to complete the radiation treatment due to various reasons resulting in a poor outcome. This study aims to study the pattern and various possible causes of defaults for possible intervention. A retrospective epidemiological analysis. Patients receiving EBRT for head and neck cancers with curative intent from January 2015 to December 2015 but did not complete the prescribed treatment were included. Unplanned treatment breaks in the treatment was not taken into consideration. SPSS version 21. Out of 458, 92 (20.08%) patients did not complete the EBRT (P = 0.06). Fifty-six out of total 92 patients (60.9%) who defaulted stopped taking treatment within halfway of the treatment (15 fraction) and 12 out of total 92 patients (13%) just at the 22nd/23rd fraction. Defaulter rates in patients from different places are in the range of 12.8% to 33.0% but was statistically not significant (P = 0.224). There was no particular age (P = 0.966), disease site (P = 0.354) preponderance among defaulters. Use of concurrent chemo-radiation in radical or adjuvant settings was also not related to defaults (P = 0.406). Radiation-induced acute toxicity, socioeconomic status and distance plays minimal role as a cause of patients who stop taking EBRT. There is no particular relation between age, disease site, treatment received before radiotherapy, intent of treatment, and concurrent chemoradiation-induced acute reactions with defaults among patients. Loss of income and work in the poor population during the treatment may be an important possible cause of defaults.

Patterns of Distant Failure in Carcinoma Cervix- A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Patterns of Distant Failure in Carcinoma Cervix- A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Clinicopathological Profile of Endometrial Carcinoma: A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Clinicopathological Profile of Endometrial Carcinoma: A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Analysis of outcomes and prognostic factors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients treated by MCP841 protocol: A regional cancer center experience.

Background:A dramatic improvement in the survival of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in the last three decades has been observed. MCP 841 protocol is an old but effective tool with tolerable toxicities. The objective of this study was to estimate the relapse-free survival of ALL patients treated uniformly with MCP 841 protocol on the basis of various prognostic factors.Materials and Methods:The study design was retrospective and it was conducted in a regional cancer center of Northwest India. Three hundred and ten ALL patients who underwent treatment with MCP 841 protocol and regular follow-up for up to 5 years were selected for this study. Relapse-free survival was calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the hazards ratio (HR) using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for windows version 20.0.Results:Fifty-four percent patients were <15 years of age and 69% were males. 53.2% patients were in remission at the end of 5 years of starting the treatment. Relapse-free survival at 5 years by Kaplan–Meir analysis for B-cell ALL was 62% [HR 0.67 {95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.95}] with patients with unknown lineage taken as reference] while for T cell it was 28% [HR 1.41 (95% CI 1.19-1.63), P 0.001]. Patients with total leukocyte count (TLC) <1 lakh/cmm at presentation, relapse-free survival was 68% and those with TLC >1 lakh/cmm had 41% survival [HR 2.14 (1.76-2.48) with, P < 0.001].Conclusion:MCP 841 protocol is a useful tool for the treatment of ALL in children when more aggressive protocols can not be used.

Results of 2 dimensional postoperative radiotherapy treatment in carcinoma buccal mucosa patients: A regional cancer centre experience

Purpose/Objective(s): In India > 1 million new cases of cancer diagnosed every year. 40-50% of these cases are of head and neck cancer because of tobacco overuse. In our institute we have almost 1000-1300 new cases of Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa reported every year. From which 70-75% are surgically operable. For post-operative Radiotherapy treatment, we treat most of our patients by 2 Dimensional conventional treatments. Purpose of this study is to assess toxicity & long term results of postoperative carcinoma buccal mucosa cases treated by 2 Dimensional conventional treatment planning. Materials/Methods: From January 2009 to January 2012, almost 1980 postoperative cases of Carcinoma Buccal mucosa were referred for radiotherapy treatment. From which 1584 cases were suitable for postoperative 2 Dimensional Conventional planning. In selected cases, 71%, 18%, 11% cases were of Stage IV, III, II (close margin) respectively. Postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy was indicated in 475 patients. For all patients Plaster of Paris cast was prepared & X-ray was taken on Simulator machine. Target volume was drawn on x-ray & treatment plan generated on contour drawn with 90-95% isodose line covering the target, with hot spot of +10% on 2D Plato treatment planning system. All patients were treated with unilateral Anterior Posterior Lateral wedge pair technique for buccal mucosa and unilateral lower neck was given in indicated patients. Dose prescribed was 60 Gy/30#, 2Gy/#, 5 days a week, total 6 weeks treatment. Treatment plan verified on day 2 and treatment started. In patients where postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy was used, chemotherapy was given Cisplatin 30mg/m[2] every weekly for 6 weeks. In most of the patients, treatment break was not required. All patients completed treatment successfully. Patients were assessed for locoregional control, acute & late toxicity and followed up for 3 years for disease free survival and overall survival. Results: Grade II & III acute mucositis was 82% & 18% respectively in 1109 patients who received only postoperative radiotherapy. For patients who received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy Grade II and Grade III acute mucositis was seen in 75% & 25% respectively and side effects related to Cisplatin were managed conservatively. Almost all patients had Grade II skin reactions. Grade III skin reactions were observed in 8% of patients on post operative radiotherapy alone and 19% of patients on postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy but were manageable. All patients tolerated treatment well. For 1584 patients, follow up dropout rate was 20%. None of the patients developed significant late toxicity. As opposite parotid spared, no late complication of xerostomia observed. For 1268 patients, 1-, 2-, 3- year locoregional control rates were 82%, 75%, 68% respectively. Disease free survival rate was 63% (799 patients) & overall survival was almost 55% (697 patients) at median follow up for 40 months. Conclusion: 2D Conventional Radiotherapy Treatment Planning in our set up has shown very good results with almost 50% survival rates. It is less toxic treatment with fewer complications & less time consuming. It is highly cost effective treatment approach & results are very much encouraging.

Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Neck from Unknown Primary Sites: the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre (ORCC) Experience

C l i n M e d International Library Citation: Marglani O, Alherabi AZ, Safar A, Alghamdi S, Eapen L, et al. (2015) Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Neck from Unknown Primary Sites: the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre (ORCC) Experience. Int J Cancer Clin Res 2:027 Received: September 04, 2015: Accepted: September 23, 2015: Published: September 25, 2015 Copyright: © 2015 Marglani O. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Marglani et al. Int J Cancer Clin Res 2015, 2:3

Pros and Cons of Adding of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Standard Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Cervical Cancer: A Regional Cancer Center Experience

The present study summarizes the results of treatment in the form of disease-free survival and overall survival in bulky stage IB2 and locally advanced (stages II-IVA) squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The treatment has been given in the form of NACT followed by CCRT in one arm and CCRT in the other arm. This retrospective study analyzed 713 cervical cancer patients who were treated at our center during 2007 and 2008; out of 713 patients, data of 612 patients have been compared. The patients' data were analyzed retrospectively. Patients had undergone PF 28.6%, TPF 21.5%, and only CCRT 49.9%. Majority of patients were in the age group 41-50years, while stage wise, mainly stage IIIb and IIb. Disease-free survival was observed on the basis of stage and NACT. The survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. All statistical calculations were done with SPSS Statistics version 20.0. For cancer cervix NACT versus CCRT, the DFS rate was at 5years (58.3 vs. 41.8% p=0.001). NACT followed by CCRT demonstrated significantly superior DFS as compared to definitive CCRT, respectively, TPF (hazard ratio (HR)=0.248, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.123-0.500; p<0.001), PF (HR=0.445, 95% CI 0.266-0.722; p=0.002). The results of univariate stage, age, and multivariate study show that stage hemoglobin level, interval between external-intracavitary radiation, and type of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were the factors affected survival cervical patients treated with radiation. The grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were more in the NACT group than CCRT (p<0.001) while the non-hematological toxicity was not significant; the TPF group experienced more toxicity than PF (p=0.029). This treatment regimen is feasible as evidenced by the acceptable toxicity of NACT and by the high compliance to radiotherapy. The grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were more in NACT groups than CCRT (p<0.001); the TPF group experienced more toxicity than PF (p=0.029). TPF/PF as NACT is feasible and produces impressive responses in cancer cervix.

Acquired severe aplastic anemia treated with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine: An experience of regional cancer center, Western India

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a serious bone marrow disease that needs a comprehensive and service-intense treatment with either bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or immunosuppressive therapy (IST); both are difficult to optimally offer in resources-limited countries. Here, we report the outcome of IST using horse Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in 18 (7 children; 11 adults) patients with SAA referred to our center in west India. Only 18 patients out of 102 diagnosed as AA in 2 years could receive IST, largely due to costs restraints. Although CR was seen in 30% in adults and 33% in pediatric cases, but overall 50% cases were able to enjoy transfusion-independence, requiring no further treatment. Treatment related mortality occurred in 6.2%, relapse in 6.2% and 6.2% had clonal evolution. This makes IST a valuable option for managing SAA in absence of bone marrow transplantation.

Prognostic factors affecting the survival of patients with brain metastasis treated by whole brain radiotherapy: A regional cancer center experience from North West India

Background: Brain metastases are unfortunate consequences frequently found in patients with advanced cancer. The prognosis is poor with an average expected survival time of <6 months by all possible efforts (including radiotherapy). This retrospective study aims to determine survival and prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases who underwent whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to August 2010, a total of 186 patients with brain metastasis was analyzed with the help of available medical records. Of these, 140 patients who received WBRT ΁ chemotherapy were included in this study. The prognostic factors evaluated for overall survival were age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, number of lesions, primary tumor site, extracranial metastases, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Results: The median overall survival was 4 months (95% confidence interval: 3.56-4.43), while 1- and 2-year survival rates were 8.57% and 3.57%, respectively. The most common primary tumor sites were the lung (n = 82; 44.08%) followed by the breast (n = 46; 24.73%), kidney (n = 11; 5.91%), and unknown primary (n = 11; 5.91%). The median overall survival was maximum (4 months) in patients with breast cancer. The 1-year overall survival rate was 8.57% (n = 12) for the whole group and 18.2% (6/33) in breast cancer patients (P = 0.058). In this study, the patients with higher performance status (P = 0.199), solitary brain metastasis (P < 0.0001), female (P = 0.201), and primary tumor under control (P = 0.223) had better survival. Conclusion: This study suggests that overall prognosis of patients with brain metastasis remains to be poor, 1-year survival being <10%. Patients with solitary metastasis and carcinoma breast have comparatively better prognosis.

Analysis of patterns of palliative radiotherapy in north west India: a regional cancer center experience.

Background:Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) is the eventual requirement in 30-50% of all cancer patients. PRT is primarily aimed to relieve pain and prevent/treat collapse or fracture in case of bone metastasis, to reduce edema in patients with cranial metastasis, and to control distressing symptoms of rapid primary growth. An audit of PRT planned in a busy cancer center can help in the characterization of the requirements of the patients and the formulation of institutional policies.Materials and Methods:In total, 516 patients who received PRT in our regional cancer center from January 2012 to December 2012 and whose complete records were available for analysis were selected for this retrospective study. Medical records and radiotherapy files were analyzed to obtain data such as sociodemographic parameters, prescription of PRT, and follow up. Descriptive statistics were evaluated in terms of frequencies and percentages to allow comparisons.Results:Of the 516 patients, 73% patients were male; the median age of the patients receiving PRT was 62 years (range 13-83 years). About 48% (n = 248) patients received PRT at the primary site while rest (52%) were given PRT at the metastatic site. The most common indication of PRT was pain (56.8% cases), followed by cytostatic PRT (19.8%) and raised ICT (12.4%). The median dose prescribed was 30 Gy (range 8-36 Gy) delivered in 1-12 fractions over the duration of 1-18 days. The overall response rate was about 43% at 2 weeks of completion of PRT; the median follow-up of the patients was 154 days (range 9-256 days). The long-term symptom relief at median follow up was 8%.Conclusions:Good clinical judgment and expertise is required in prescribing correct fractionation schedule to achieve effective symptom palliation with lowest possible cost and inconvenience to the patients and relatives. Hypofractionated radiotherapy is a feasible treatment option in patients with advanced incurable disease to achieve effective palliation.

Sociodemographic Parameters of Esophageal Cancer in Northwest India: A Regional Cancer Center Experience of 10 Years.

Background:Despite various advances in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer (EC), being one of the least responsive tumors to cancer therapy, the overall prognosis remains poor. Therefore, it is significant to understand various sociodemographic factors associated with EC to find out various schemes for primary prevention of the disease.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of the EC patients registered in the regional cancer center of northwest India from January 2003 to December 2012. The site of the disease and the histology were also recorded in addition to the various sociodemographic parameters.Results:Out of 55,742 patients registered in our hospital; 3,667 were diagnosed to have EC. Male:female ratio was 1.15:1. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.74 years; 66.15% of the patients were illiterate and 48.6% belonged to the low socioeconomic status. Smoking and alcohol consumption were identified as risk factors in 48 and 25.6% of the patients, respectively.Conclusions:The etiology in majority of the patients is linked to tobacco and alcohol, thus, modification of life style with limiting the use of addictions may be an effective strategy in the prevention of this dreaded and mostly incurable disease.

919P - Pros and Cons of Adding of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Standard Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Cervical Cancer: a Regional Cancer Center Experience

Background The present study summarizes the results of treatment in the form of disease-free survival and overall survival in bulky stage IB2 and locally advanced (stages II–IVA) squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The treatment has been given in the form of NACT followed by CCRT in one arm and CCRT in the other arm.

Esophagectomy for Cancer of the Esophagus. A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Surgery is an important component of treatment for patients with resectable cancer of the mid and lower third of the esophagus. There are many controversies associated with esophagectomy. We share our experience with esophagectomy for cancer of the mid and lower third of the esophagus. Between January 2007 and December 2011, 210 patients with cancer of the esophagus underwent surgery. The patients' pre and intra- operative factors, morbidities and mortality were noted and studied. Transhiatal esophagectomy was done in 175 patients and right transthoracic esophagectomy was done in 35 patients. The most common location of the tumor was lower third and most common histopathology was squamous cell carcinoma. There were 5 in-hospital deaths (2.4%) and the common morbidities encountered were respiratory (30%), anastomotic leak (5%) and anastomotic stricture (15%). The morbidity was higher in the transthoracic group. Our R0 resection rate was 89%. Esophagectomy can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity in the management of patients with oesophageal cancer. We attribute the favourable results to the high volume at our centre, surgical expertise, good patient selection and performance of the anastomosis in the neck.

Is there need of Bone Scan Before Doing Breast Cancer Surgery? A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Is there need of Bone Scan Before Doing Breast Cancer Surgery? A Regional Cancer Centre Experience

Imatinib mesylate therapy in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors—A Regional cancer centre experience

19505 Background: The treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors has been revolutionised by the advent of Imatinib, a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Post operative local and metastatic recurrences of this tumor have been effectively managed by Imatinib. Here we present our experience of Imatinib in recurrent locally advanced/metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Methods: From Nov 2001 to Sep 2005, 33 patients with metastatic and / or locally advanced inoperable CD-117 positive GIST were offered imatinib mesylate therapy at 400 mg/day p.o. A total of 21 patients were evaluable for tumor response. Follow up period ranged from 4 months to 38 months with median follow up period being 18 months. Median age is 58 yrs, M:F ratio is 6:4. ECOG performance status was 0–1 in 70% (23 patients) and 2 in 30% (10 patients). 70% patients had post surgery recurrence. 2 patients (6%) had received adjuvant chemotherapy prior to recurrence. 30% (10 patients) had local recurrence, 40% (13 patients) had metastatic disease while 30% (10 patients) had local recurrence as well as metastatic disease. Results: Response evaluation was done by RECIST criteria. 15% (5 patient) showed CR while PR rates were 30% (10 patients). The overall major response (CR+PR) was 45%. The overall progression free survival was as high as 80%. All the patients who had a progression free survival also had a significant improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: Imatinib mesylate therapy shows significant survival benefits in locally advanced inoperable/metatstatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors. It will be a very long time before PET scan for evaluation and follow up becomes feasible in developing country setting. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Radiotherapy for pediatric central nervous system tumors: a regional cancer centre experience.

The purpose of this review was to analyze outcomes for pediatric patients treated for more common (non-low grade glioma) primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors at a Regional (tertiary) Cancer Center. Comparison to reported results from other regional centres and results from the contemporary literature were made. The records of pediatric patients treated with radiotherapy at the London Regional Cancer Center (LRCC) for more common (non-low grade glioma) primary CNS tumors between 1980 and 2001 were reviewed. Details regarding tumor presentation, treatment and outcome were analyzed. Eighty-eight patients were eligible for the review. Twenty-nine patients with malignant glioma, 37 patients with medulloblastoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), 15 patients with brainstem glioma, 4 with ependymoma and 3 with germ cell tumors were treated during this time period. Average follow-up for the group was 5 years (range 4 months to 19 years). Five-year overall, progression free and cause specific survival were 45, 42 and 50%, respectively. For patients with malignant glioma median progression free and overall survival was 20 and 29 months. For patients with brainstem glioma median progression free and overall survival was 9 and 13 months. For medulloblastoma, 5-year progression free, and overall survival was 60 and 59%. RESULTS of this retrospective review of pediatric patients treated at a regional cancer center for primary CNS tumors (other than low grade glioma) were comparable to contemporary results reported by other Canadian centers and North American co-operative group trials.