Treatment controversies in medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma, the most common primary malignant brain tumor in children, is a radiosensitive and chemosensitive tumor. Nevertheless, medulloblastom a remains a management challenge for the clinical oncologist, because the o ptimal sequence and dosage for each treatment modality has not yet been def ined. In addition, effective management strategies for medulloblastoma may result in profound neuroendocrine and neuropsychologic sequelae. In this ar ticle, we review the clinical and biologic prognostic factors for classifyi ng medulloblastoma, current strategies for the management of this disease, and potential strategies to prevent or minimize long-term treatment sequela e. Curr Opin Oncol 2001. 13:154-159 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Inc.