Neuropediatrics 2009; 40(1): 15-21
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1225341
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pineal Region Tumors in Children: A Single Center Experience

N. Yazıcı 1 , A. Varan 1 , F. Söylemezoğlu 2 , F. Zorlu 3 , T. Kutluk 1 , C. Akyüz 1 , M. Büyükpamukçu 1
  • 1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University, Institute of Oncology, Ankara, Turkey
  • 2Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
  • 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

received 17.11.2008

accepted 11.05.2009

Publication Date:
28 July 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Pineal region tumors are a relatively uncommon, deep-seated heterogeneous group of mass lesions of the brain. Their management is much more complicated in children with cancer, both in terms of survival and sequelae, due to primary location of the tumor and treatment modality. The goal of this retrospective study was to report the presentation, treatment, and outcome of tumors that arose from this region in 24 children treated at our institution between March 1975 and May 2006. In all, 15 (62.5%) of the 24 children were initially treated with partial or complete resection, adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 18 (75%) patients, and chemotherapy was given to 15 (62.5%) of the patients. Overall survival was 44.5%. Although statistically insignificant, the most favorable outcome were obtained in patients with grossly resected tumors (66%) and in children >10 years of age (80%). Long-term sequelae occurred at a high rate in this study due to the primary location of the tumors and treatment modalities, which warrants further investigation.