Successful use of intracavitary bleomycin for low-grade astrocytoma tumor cyst

We report successful use of bleomycin in a low-grade astrocytoma tumor cyst of the tectal plate. A 6-year-old male underwent subtotal resection of a l ow-grade astrocytoma of the tectal plate followed by chemotherapy and proto n beam radiation at age 2 and a half. Despite resolution of the solid porti on of the tumor, serial MRI showed enlargement of a bilobar tumor cyst 3 ye ars after the original diagnosis. The patient developed progressive ataxia, short-term memory loss and dysconjugate gaze. Following stereotactic place ment of an Ommaya reservoir into the cyst, Isovue contrast and CT scan were used to confirm the integrity of the cyst. Five consecutive daily doses of 3.0 mg of bleomycin were instilled into the cyst after removal of cyst flu id. The therapy was well tolerated in the outpatient setting, and the clini cal findings resolved. Subsequent CT and MRI at 4 months and 2 years after bleomycin confirmed no recurrence of the tumor or cyst. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.