CURRENT THERAPY AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN THE TREATMENT OF MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Medulloblastoma, a malignant tumor arising from the medullary velum, i s the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Local extension into the cerebellar hemisphere, infiltration of the floor of the fourt h ventricle, and seeding into the subarachnoid space are common. Early diagnosis and improved treatment consisting of surgery followed by ra diation and chemotherapy for selected high-risk patients has contribut ed to a dramatic change in survival. This article reviews current trea tment strategies and describes new therapies that have the potential t o improve the outlook of children with medulloblastoma. (C) 1998 by El sevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.