THE MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN-TUMORS IN A TERTIARY CENTER

Between January 1982 and January 1990,120 newly diagnosed pediatric pa tients were treated at The Chaim Sheba Medical Center. Sixty three (52 .5%) tumors arose in the posterior fossa and 57 (47.5%) appeared supra tentorially. A wide variety of histologic subtypes was seen, each requ iring tumor-specific treatment. The modern imaging techniques - CT and MRI -offered better planning of operation, treatment and follow up. A ll children with highly malignant tumors were treated with combination chemotherapy besides the 'conventional radiotherapy'. Since 1987 the ''eight in one day'' protocol has been used extensively pre- and post- irradiation. Five-year survival, varied significantly according to tum or type, location and stage. The average delay from presentation of sy mptoms to diagnosis was 6 months. A multidisciplinary approach has bee n used in the treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up of these childre n. In this study, the results of treatment are presented and the role of chemotherapy is discussed.