Clin Pediatr Hematol Oncol.
2007 Oct;14(2):167-175.
Outcome of Multicenter Study for Korean Children with Medulloblastoma
- Affiliations
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- 1Medulloblastoma Committee, Korean Society of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Korea. johah@med.yu.ac.kr
- 2Cancer Registration and Biostatistics Branch, National Cancer Center, Korea.
Abstract
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PURPOSE: Medulloblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor of childhood. In spite of improved multimodality approach, 30~40% of children with medulloblastoma still suffer from recurrence. Furthermore, many survivors have significant long-term sequelae. This study was undertaken to investigate the current status of childhood medulloblastoma in Korea.
METHODS
Questionnaires were sent to the member hospitals of the Korean Society of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology. One hundred and sixty seven cases from 20 university hospitals were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
The median age at diagnosis was 6.9 years and the male to female ratio was 1.9:1. Patients in average risk group were 77 (46%) and those in high risk group were 90 (54%). In average risk group, 1 patient was treated with operation only, 4 were treated with operation and radiotherapy, 70 were treated with operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 2 were treated with various treatments. In high risk group, 4 patients were treated with operation and radiotherapy, 9 were treated with operation and chemotherapy, 58 were treated with operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 16 were treated with high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue, and 3 were treated with various treatments. Median follow up was at 30.8 months, and 3 year EFS was 65% for all patients. The 3 year EFS were 78% for patients in average risk group and 54% for patients in high risk group.
CONCLUSION
Diverse treatment protocols have been applied for childhood medulloblastoma in Korea. This study inspired the necessity of nation-wide protocols and prospective multicenter studies for medulloblastoma in Korea.
