Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of childhood. An approach to therapy

J Neurosurg. 1981 Sep;55(3):376-81. doi: 10.3171/jns.1981.55.3.0376.

Abstract

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors are found in the cerebrum of children and young adults. The are clinically highly malignant and have rapid course from diagnosis to death. Their microscopic pathology reveals 90% to 95% nondifferentiation, frequent mitoses, and small dark cells with no observable cytoplasm. This paper discusses the treatment of three children with this tumor with a combination of surgery irradiation, and combination chemotherapy. The results of this approach are compared with previous reports in the literature. The average survival in this series is 24 months versus approximately 8 months reported in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Carmustine / administration & dosage
  • Child
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leucovorin / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / mortality
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / therapy*
  • Procarbazine / administration & dosage
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Procarbazine
  • Vincristine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Leucovorin
  • Carmustine
  • Methotrexate