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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Supratentorial ependymomas in children: Analysis of nine cases
Conclusions: Complete surgical excision should be the goal of surgery. The prognostic role of Ki-67, p-53, p-27, bcl-2, EGFR, and neuronal markers expression needs to be determined in multi-institutional studies due to tumor's rarity. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences - May 6, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: George A AlexiouMaria MoschoviKalliopi StefanakiDimitrios PanagopoulosMaria TsotraGeorge SiozosGeorge SfakianosNeofytos Prodromou Source Type: research

Acute Toxicity of Proton Beam Radiation for Pediatric Central Nervous System Malignancies
ConclusionsPBT appears to be well tolerated in pediatric patients with CNS malignancies. Acute toxicity can be managed with supportive care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;9999:XX–XX. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - April 22, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Gita Suneja, Philip D. Poorvu, Christine Hill‐Kayser, Robert A. Lustig Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Rim and Flame Signs: Postgadolinium MRI Findings Specific for Non-CNS Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastases [SPINE]
CONCLUSIONS: The rim and flame signs are common in and specific for ISCM and are rare in primary spinal cord masses. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)
Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology - April 10, 2013 Category: Radiology Authors: Rykken, J. B., Diehn, F. E., Hunt, C. H., Eckel, L. J., Schwartz, K. M., Kaufmann, T. J., Wald, J. T., Giannini, C., Wood, C. P. Tags: SPINE Source Type: research

Spinal ependymomas: Prognostic factors and treatment results
Conclusion: Early intervention and gross total resection of spinal ependymomas are associated with a favorable outcome. Further studies are needed to clarify the incidence of the development of a second cancer in these patients. (Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics - April 10, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Spyridon VoulgarisGeorge A AlexiouAndreas ZigourisGeorge FotakopoulosEvaggelos MichosIoannis KatsiafasGeorge SavvanisDimitrios Pachatouridis Source Type: research

Spontaneous high‐grade glial intramedullary tumor of the spine in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
ConclusionsWe describe a case of a naturally occurring spontaneous spinal cord neoplasia in a non‐human primate. (Source: Journal of Medical Primatology)
Source: Journal of Medical Primatology - March 28, 2013 Category: Research Authors: P.W. Hanley, G.K. Wilkerson, B.J. Bernacky, K.F. Barnhart, W.B. Baze, M.J. McArthur Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Histological Predictors of Outcome in Ependymoma are Dependent on Anatomic Site Within the Central Nervous System
Abstract Ependymomas originate in posterior fossa (PF), supratentorial (ST) or spinal cord (SC) compartments. At present, grading schemes are applied independent of anatomic site. We performed detailed histological examination on 238 World Health Organization grade II and III ependymomas. Among PF ependymomas, the presence of hypercellular areas, necrosis, microvascular proliferation and elevated mitotic rate (all P < 0.01) were significantly associated with worse progression‐free survival (PFS), while extensive ependymal canal formation was not (P = 0.89). Similar to the PF tumors, microvascular proliferation...
Source: Brain Pathology - March 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Aditya Raghunathan, Khalida Wani, Terri S. Armstrong, Elizabeth Vera‐Bolanos, Maryam Fouladi, Richard Gilbertson, Amar Gajjar, Stewart Goldman, Norman L. Lehman, Phillipe Metellus, Tom Mikkelsen, Mary Jo T. Necesito‐Reyes, Antonio Omuro, Roger J. Pack Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Emerging Insights into the Ependymoma Epigenome
Abstract Ependymoma is the third most common pediatric brain tumor, yet because of the paucity of effective therapeutic interventions, 45% of patients remain incurable. Recent transcriptional and copy number profiling of the disease has identified few driver genes and in fact points to a balanced genomic profile. Candidate gene approaches looking at hypermethylated promoters and genome‐wide epigenetic arrays suggest that DNA methylation may be critical to ependymoma pathogenesis. This review attempts to highlight existing and emerging evidence implicating the ependymoma epigenome as a key player and that epigenetic modif...
Source: Brain Pathology - February 25, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Stephen C. Mack, Hendrik Witt, Xin Wang, Till Milde, Yuan Yao, Kelsey C. Bertrand, Andrey Korshunov, Stefan M. Pfister, Michael D. Taylor Tags: MINI‐SYMPOSIUM: When Genetics Meets Epigenetics—A New Option for Therapeutic Intervention in Brain Tumors? Symposium Editor: Stefan M. Pfister Source Type: research

Current and evolving knowledge of prognostic factors for pediatric ependymomas
Future Oncology , February 2013, Vol. 9, No. 2, Pages 183-191. (Source: Future Oncology)
Source: Future Oncology - February 15, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: article Source Type: research

Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 9
Lymphoma, Supratentorial Tumors, Glioneuronal Tumors, Gangliogliomas, Neuroblastoma in Adults, Astrocytomas, Ependymomas, Hemangiomas, and Craniopharyngiomasseries:Tumors of the Central Nervous SystemThe ninth volume in this essential series discusses key advances in our understanding of neoplasms in the human central nervous system. This publication deals with various aspects of nine separate types of brain tumors. With 70 contributors from 17 nations, this edition offers an unrivalled thoroughness and breadth of coverage that includes the very latest research results on the following ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)
Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles - February 12, 2013 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: Biomedicine (general) Source Type: news

Immunohistochemical expression of IDH1 in gliomas: A tissue microarray-based approach
Conclusion : Monoclonal antibody to IDH1 (R132) is a useful and less-labor-intensive method to detect mutations in gliomas. IDH1 is a useful immunohistochemical marker to differentiate reactive gliosis from low-grade astrocytoma, has potential as an independent prognostic marker and also helps in distinguishing primary from secondary GBM. Its sensitivity and specificity need to be assessed by simultaneous sequencing and its validation on clinically annotated samples. (Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics - January 29, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Varuna SipayyaIra SharmaKC SharmaAvninder Singh Source Type: research

Sacrococcygeal myxopapillary ependymoma with anaplastic ependymoma component in an infant
We report a rare case of sacrococcygeal MPE in an 11-month-old female child who showed typical myxopapillary ependymal histology along with anaplastic ependymal component. Ki-67 labeling index in the myxopapillary component was 4-5% and in the anaplastic component was 70%. Six weeks after gross total resection of the tumor, the child presented with local recurrence and metastasis in the right inguinal lymph nodes and was treated with chemotherapy. The present case of sacrococcygeal MPE with anaplastic ependymoma component is the second case on record in the medical literature, and the first case without any s...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences - January 25, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Shrijeet ChakrabortiHema KiniK Ganesh PaiVidya Upadhyaya Source Type: research

From the Radiologic Pathology Archives: Intraventricular Neoplasms: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation [Neurologic/Head and Neck Imaging]
A variety of neoplasms may arise in the ventricular system. Intraventricular neoplasms may be discovered as an incidental finding at cross-sectional imaging or may manifest with varied symptoms depending on their location, including symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. These lesions may arise from various ventricular structures, including the ependymal lining (eg, ependymoma), subependymal layer (eg, subependymoma), or choroid plexus (eg, choroid plexus neoplasms), or they may have a cell of origin that has yet to be determined (eg, chordoid glioma). Other neoplasms involving the ventricular system include central ...
Source: Radiographics recent issues - January 15, 2013 Category: Radiology Authors: Smith, A. B., Smirniotopoulos, J. G., Horkanyne-Szakaly, I. Tags: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neuroradiology, Oncologic Imaging, Computed Tomography Neurologic/Head and Neck Imaging Source Type: research

Prognosis by tumor location in adults with spinal ependymomas.
Conclusions Spinal ependymomas along different regions of spinal axis have different characteristics and clinical behaviors. Tumor grade, extent of resection, and PFS varied by tumor location (upper vs lower spinal regions), while OS did not. Recurrence rates were higher for the lower spinal cord tumors, despite a greater prevalence of lower WHO grade lesions, compared with upper spinal cord tumors, suggesting that tumor location along the spinal axis is an important prognostic factor. PMID: 23311515 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine)
Source: Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine - January 11, 2013 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Oh MC, Kim JM, Kaur G, Safaee M, Sun MZ, Singh A, Aranda D, Molinaro AM, Parsa AT Tags: J Neurosurg Spine Source Type: research

Long‐term follow‐up of children with high‐risk neuroblastoma: The ENSG5 trial experience
ConclusionsThis study analyzed a wide cohort of high‐risk neuroblastoma survivors from a multi‐institutional randomized trial and established the profile of long‐term toxicity within the setting of an international clinical trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - December 31, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Lucas Moreno, Sucheta J. Vaidya, C. Ross Pinkerton, Ian J. Lewis, John Imeson, David Machin, Andrew D. J. Pearson, Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Differentiation between high and low grade tumours in paediatric patients by using apparent diffusion coefficients.
CONCLUSION: Combining the information obtained from conventional MR imaging with the ADC values may increase the accuracy of pre-operative differentiation between low grade and high grade paediatric tumours. Cut-off values can help to discern low from high grade tumours. However, it has to be considered that there is a substantial overlap between tumour types previously described in the literature. PMID: 23273960 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology)
Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology - December 26, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Porto L, Jurcoane A, Schwabe D, Kieslich M, Hattingen E Tags: Eur J Paediatr Neurol Source Type: research

Peroxiredoxins and their expression in ependymomas
Conclusions This study indicates that oxidative mechanisms as reflected by Nrf2 expression are highly activated in ependymomas. Prxs, especially Prx I, were associated with Nrf2 expression, suggesting a role for Nrf2 in Prx I synthesis in ependymomas. While DJ-1 did not associate with any of the Prxs, its expression was associated with worsened patient survival and could have a role as a prognostic marker in ependymomas. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)
Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology - December 23, 2012 Category: Pathology Authors: Haapasalo, T., Nordfors, K., Jarvela, S., Kok, E., Sallinen, P., Kinnula, V. L., Haapasalo, H. K., Soini, Y. Tags: Immunology (including allergy), Neurooncology, CNS cancer Original articles Source Type: research

Children's Oncology Group's 2013 blueprint for research: Central nervous system tumors
Abstract In the US, approximately 2,500 children are diagnosed annually with brain tumors. Their survival ranges from >90% to <10%. For children with medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, 5‐year survival ranges from >80% (standard‐risk) to 60% (high‐risk). For those with high‐grade gliomas (HGGs) including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, 5‐year survival remains <10%. Sixty‐five percent patients with ependymoma are cured after surgery and radiation therapy depending on the degree of resection and histopathology of the tumor. Phase II trials for brain tumors will investigate agent...
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - December 19, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Amar Gajjar, Roger J. Packer, N.K. Foreman, Kenneth Cohen, Daphne Haas‐Kogan, Thomas E. Merchant, Tags: Review Source Type: research

Paediatric intra-axial posterior fossa tumours: pictorial review
Paediatric brain tumours commonly arise in the posterior cranial fossa. Early diagnosis is often challenging due to initial non-specific clinical symptoms, especially in very young children. The typical MR features of tumours in this region including medulloblastoma, ependymoma, juvenile pilocytic subtype of cerebellar astrocytoma, brain stem glioma and atypical teratoid–rhabdoid tumour are illustrated. Diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient values combined with signal characteristics on conventional MR sequences can usually differentiate low-grade from high-grade tumours. Prompt diagnosis is c...
Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal - December 17, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Rasalkar, D. D., Chu, W. C.-w., Paunipagar, B. K., Cheng, F. W. T., Li, C. K. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 9
Lymphoma, Supratentorial Tumors, Glioneuronal Tumors, Gangliogliomas, Neuroblastoma in Adults, Astrocytomas, Ependymomas, Hemangiomas, and Craniopharyngiomasseries:Tumors of the Central Nervous SystemThe ninth volume in this essential series discusses key advances in our understanding of neoplasms in the human central nervous system. This publication deals with various aspects of nine separate types of brain tumors. With 70 contributors from 17 nations, this edition offers an unrivalled thoroughness and breadth of coverage that includes the very latest research results on the following ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)
Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles - December 12, 2012 Category: Biomedical Science Tags: Biomedicine (general) Source Type: news

Spinal Cord Tumors: New Views and Future Directions
Spinal cord tumors are uncommon neoplasms that, without treatment, can cause significant neurologic morbidity and mortality. The historic classification of spine tumors is based on the use of myelography with 3 main groups: (1) extramedullary extradural, (2) intradural extramedullary, and (3) intradural intramedullary. This chapter focuses on intramedullary spinal cord tumors (ISCTs), with an emphasis on new diagnostic imaging modalities and treatment options. The common ISCTs include ependymoma, astrocytoma and hemangioblastoma, which together account for over 90% of primary ISCTs. Rare tumors such as gangliglioma, oligod...
Source: Neurologic Clinics - November 27, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Laszlo L. Mechtler, Kaveer Nandigam Source Type: research

Increased expression of tumor-associated antigens in pediatric and adult ependymomas: implication for vaccine therapy
Abstract Despite surgery and radiotherapy, as many as 50 % of children with ependymomas will suffer from tumor recurrences that will ultimately lead to death. Our group’s initial peptide-based glioma vaccine targeting EphA2, IL-13Rα2, and Survivin, which are overexpressed in pediatric gliomas, has shown promise in its initial phase of testing. We therefore investigated whether EphA2, IL-13Rα2, Survivin, and, additionally, Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1), are overexpressed in pediatric ependymomas to determine if a similar immunotherapy approach could be applicable. Immunohistochemistry was performed using an...
Source: Journal of Neuro-Oncology - November 26, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Journal of Neuro-Oncology Source Type: research

Evolving instrumentation for endoscopic tumour removal of CNS tumours
Conclusions To date, endoscopic resection of tumours has been limited by suitable tools. The advent of an ultrasonic aspirator that can be used down an endoscope increases the possibilities for such resections. This is the first reported case of endoscopic resection of an intraventricular tumour using this technique. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Technical Note - Neurosurgical TechniquesPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00701-012-1561-4Authors Senthil K. Selvanathan, Department of Neurosurgery, Leeds General Infirmary, LS1 3EX Leeds, United KingdomRamesh Kumar, Department of Neurosurgery, Leeds General I...
Source: Acta Neurochirurgica - November 25, 2012 Category: Neurology Tags: Acta Neurochirurgica Source Type: research

Changes in the Patterns of Care of Central Nervous System Tumours Among 16–24 Year Olds and the Effect on Survival in Yorkshire Between 1990 and 2009
Conclusion: The lack of any significant improvement in survival over time in most diagnostic groups warrants further investigation and provides justification for a more collaborative regional approach to the care of central nervous system tumours, perhaps through the development of regional guidelines for this unique population. More detailed analysis of relapse patterns and prediagnostic symptoms would also be informative for this cohort. (Source: Clinical Oncology)
Source: Clinical Oncology - November 23, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: B.D. Nicholson, S.V. Picton, P. Chumas, S. Dixit, M. van Laar, C. Loughrey, G. O'Reilly, D.P. Stark, R.G. Feltbower Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

How specific is the MRI appearance of supratentorial atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors?
Conclusion A supratentorial tumor with a thick, wavy (irregular) heterogeneously enhancing wall surrounding a central cystic region is suggestive of ATRT in the appropriate clinical setting, especially in a child of preschool age. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00247-012-2530-zAuthors Kong Jung Au Yong, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2B7Jacob L. Jaremko, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440-112 Street NW, Edmonton, Canada...
Source: Pediatric Radiology - November 10, 2012 Category: Radiology Tags: Pediatric Radiology Source Type: research

Role of platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) over-expression and angiogenesis in ependymoma
This study aimed to screen ependymomas for the expression and clinicopathological correlates of angiogenic factors and potential therapeutic targets including VEGFR, endoglin (CD105), CD34, CD31, c-Kit, PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β. Immunohistochemistry for angiogenesis factors and PDGFR-α and β was performed in 24 archival tumor samples from children and adults treated for ependymoma at our institution. CD31 density, CD105 density and pericyte coverage index (PCI) were calculated. These findings were correlated with clinical outcome. VEGFR2 was overexpressed in tumor cells in only one out of 24 cases, but was found overex...
Source: Journal of Neuro-Oncology - November 7, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Journal of Neuro-Oncology Source Type: research

Cystic with mural nodule: Unusual radiological presentation of supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma
Sachin A Borkar, Kiran Chikkanahalli Subbarao, Mehar Chand Sharma, Ashok K MahapatraJournal of Pediatric Neurosciences 2012 7(2):101-102Supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma is an uncommon tumor which can rarely present as a cyst with mural nodule on imaging. Authors present this unusual radiological appearance of supratentorial extraventricular anaplastic ependymoma in a 9-year-old boy. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences - October 17, 2012 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Sachin A BorkarKiran Chikkanahalli SubbaraoMehar Chand SharmaAshok K Mahapatra Source Type: research

Ependymoma Models
Experimental neurocarcinogenesis using chemical agents or certain viruses can get brain tumors; some of them have been considered classically as ependymomas according to their histological aspects. However, it is now accepted that these tumors do not meet a clear criteria to be considered as ependymoma models. Xenografts of human ependymomas in nude mouse are most useful models, but they have the disadvantage that the absence of host immune response may mask important aspects currently considered in the biology of brain tumors. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - October 17, 2012 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Endoscopic technique in the treatment of patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle. Report based on over a decade of experience.
Conclusions: Intraventricular ependymomas and subependymomas still remain a surgical challenge due to a relatively high incidence of incomplete tumour resections and/or permanent neurological complications associated with their removal. Still, even incomplete tumour removal with subsequent radiotherapy facilitates long-term progression-free survival in some cases. PMID: 23023432 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska)
Source: Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska - October 4, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Nowak A, Marchel A Tags: Neurol Neurochir Pol Source Type: research

Accurate classification of childhood brain tumours by in vivo1H MRS – A multi-centre study
Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the accuracy of single-voxel Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H MRS) as a non-invasive diagnostic aid for paediatric brain tumours in a multi-national study. Our hypotheses are (1) that automated classification based on 1H MRS provides an accurate non-invasive diagnosis in multi-centre datasets and (2) using a protocol which increases the metabolite information improves the diagnostic accuracy.Methods: Seventy-eight patients under 16years old with histologically proven brain tumours from 10 international centres were investigated. Discrimination of 29 medulloblastomas, 11 ependymomas and 38 pil...
Source: European Journal of Cancer - October 4, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Javier Vicente, Elies Fuster-Garcia, Salvador Tortajada, Juan M. García-Gómez, Nigel Davies, Kal Natarajan, Martin Wilson, Richard G. Grundy, Pieter Wesseling, Daniel Monleón, Bernardo Celda, Montserrat Robles, Andrew C. Peet Tags: Pediatric oncology Source Type: research

Complete resection rates for posterior fossa tumours in children in South Wales over the last 11 years
Introduction: The aim of our study was to determine our complete tumour resection rates for the three most common posterior fossa tumours, pilocytic astrocytoma, medulloblastoma and ependymoma, in children for the last decade. (Source: International Journal of Surgery)
Source: International Journal of Surgery - September 28, 2012 Category: Surgery Authors: Sanjay Amarasinghe, Laith Alzweri, Shafqat Bukhari, Paul Leach Tags: Abstracts from the Assocation of Surgeons in Training Conference Source Type: research

Vanishing lesion associated with cauda equina ependymoma
Ependymomas are relatively rare tumors of neuroectodermal origin. They account for 5–10% of central nervous system primitive tumors and 35% of them occur in spinal cord . Conus medullaris, cauda equina and filum terminale ependymomas are in the majority of the cases (87–95%) myxopapillary ependymomas . (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)
Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - September 28, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Miloud Gazzaz, Ibrahim Dao, Issam Rharrassi, Abderrahman Al Bouzidi, Mohammed Boucetta Tags: Case reports Source Type: research

Craniospinal dissemination of filum myxopapillary ependymoma following spinal trauma: case report and literature review
We report a 16-year-old boy with dissemination of the myxopapillary ependymoma along the neuraxis following spinal trauma. The possible mechanisms of tumor dissemination are discussed with a review of the literature. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00381-012-1927-1Authors Mahmoud Reza Khalatbari, Department of Neurosurgery, Arad Hospital, Somayeh St., between Dr. Shariati & Bahar Ave., Tehran, Iran 1445613131Hassan Jalaeikhoo, Department of Medical Oncology and Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMehrdokht Hamidi, Department of Pathology, Arad H...
Source: Child's Nervous System - September 25, 2012 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Child's Nervous System Source Type: research

Best of Medical Blogs - weekly review and blog carnival
The “Best of Medical Blogs - weekly review and blog carnival” is a weekly summary of the best posts from medical blogs. Feel free to send your suggestions to my email at clinicalcases@gmail.com. Best of Medical Blogs (BMB) is published every Tuesday, just like the old Grand Rounds. Putting the “A” Back in SOAP Notes: Time to Tackle An Epic Problem From the inventor of the word “hospitalist”, @Bob_Wachter: “At UCSF Medical Center, we went live with our version of the Epic electronic medical record three months ago. It beats pen and paper, and it beats the EMR system that we traded out (at a cost of...
Source: Clinical Cases and Images - September 25, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Tags: Best of Medical Blogs Source Type: news

Giant spinal cord ependymoma with CSF spread
(Source: Neurology)
Source: Neurology - September 24, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Su, X., Huang, Q.-F., Shi, W., Chen, J.-G., Chen, J. Tags: MRI, Spinal cord tumor, Nerve tumor, Surgical therapy-tumor, All Spinal Cord NEUROIMAGES Source Type: research

Extraneural ependymoma: Distant bone, lung, liver, and lymph node metastases following bevacizumab
We report a case of anaplastic ependymoma with distant metastases to the vertebral bones, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes following treatment with bevacizumab. Recent research has hypothesized that angiogenic tumors may develop means of resistance to antiangiogenic therapies, and some evidence suggests potential for antiangiogenic therapies to promote additional means for cancer spread. Nevertheless, antiangiogenic therapies continue to demonstrate potential as potent therapies for the treatment of many cancers, and should continue to be researched for future uses. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source...
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - September 13, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Cheryl Fischer, Sofia S. Haque, Jason T. Huse, Elen Blochin, Mark M. Souweidane, Eric Lis, Yasmin Khakoo Tags: Brief Report Source Type: research

Cyst with a mural nodule tumor of the brain.
Abstract The purpose of this article is to illustrate the imaging findings of lesions that present as cyst with a mural nodule tumor (CMNT). CMNT is a subtype pattern of intra-axial enhancement in central nervous system tumors, typical of a variety of brain neoplasms, including, as the most common, hemangioblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, ganglioglioma and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and as less common tanycytic ependymoma, intraparenchymal schwannoma, desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma and cystic metastasis. A retrospective design was chosen given the rarity of CMNT. Relevant cases were obtained retrospectivel...
Source: Cancer Imaging - September 8, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Raz E, Zagzag D, Saba L, Mannelli L, Di Paolo PL, D'Ambrosio F, Knopp E Tags: Cancer Imaging Source Type: research

Spinal cord ependymomas in children and adolescents
Conclusion Prospective collection of both clinical and molecular data from a greater number of patients with spinal cord ependymomas within an international collaboration is the prerequisite to establish standardized management guidelines for these rare CNS tumors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review PaperPages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s00381-012-1908-4Authors Martin Benesch, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 38, 8036 Graz, AustriaDidier Frappaz, Neuro Oncologie Pédiatrique et Adulte, Institut...
Source: Child's Nervous System - September 7, 2012 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Child's Nervous System Source Type: research

Phase II study of pre‐irradiation chemotherapy for childhood intracranial ependymoma. Children's Cancer Group protocol 9942: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
ConclusionsChildren with near total resection of ependymoma may benefit from pre‐irradiation chemotherapy. Patients with subtotal resection have inferior outcome despite responses to chemotherapy, and should be considered for second‐look surgery prior to irradiation. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - August 21, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: James H. Garvin, Michael T. Selch, Emi Holmes, Mitchell S. Berger, Jonathan L. Finlay, Ann Flannery, Joel W. Goldwein, Roger J. Packer, Lucy B. Rorke‐Adams, Tania Shiminski‐Maher, Richard Sposto, Philip Stanley, Raymond Tannous, Ian F. Pollack, Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Anaplastic Spinal Cord EpendymomaAnaplastic Spinal Cord Ependymoma
What was the unusual origin of this 29-year-old patient's mild leg weakness and numbness? Applied Radiology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - August 13, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Radiology Journal Article Source Type: news

Giant cell ependymoma-report of three cases and review of the literature.
We report here three cases of GCE, arising from cerebrum in a 5-year-old girl, spinal cord in a 34-year-old female and cerebellum in an 86-year-old female respectively. Histologically those cases showed prominent pleomorphic giant cells with focal perivascular pseudorosettes in all cases. Tumor cells were immunopositive for GFAP and EMA. Only the first case was qualified for anaplastic ependymoma. No recurrence was noted in these three cases after 57, 46 and 6 months of follow-up respectively. By reviewing the literature, GCEs arising from spinal cord and cerebellum tended to have low-grade morphology while supratentoriall...
Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology - August 10, 2012 Category: Pathology Authors: Li JY, Lopez JI, Powell SZ, Coons SW, Fuller GN Tags: Int J Clin Exp Pathol Source Type: research

Classification of single‐voxel 1H spectra of childhood cerebellar tumors using lcmodel and whole tissue representations
In this study, mean tumor spectra are used as the basis functions in LCModel to create a direct classification tool for short echo time 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of pediatric brain tumors. LCModel is a widely used analysis tool designed to fit a linear combination of individual metabolite spectra to in vivo spectra. Here, we have used LCModel to fit mean spectra and corresponding variability components of childhood cerebellar tumors, as calculated using principal component analysis, and assessed for classification accuracy. Classification was performed according to the highest estimated tumor proportion. This meth...
Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine - August 10, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Felix Raschke, Nigel P. Davies, Martin Wilson, Andrew C. Peet, Franklyn A. Howe Tags: Full Paper Source Type: research

Classification of single-voxel (1) H spectra of childhood cerebellar tumors using lcmodel and whole tissue representations.
In this study, mean tumor spectra are used as the basis functions in LCModel to create a direct classification tool for short echo time (1) H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of pediatric brain tumors. LCModel is a widely used analysis tool designed to fit a linear combination of individual metabolite spectra to in vivo spectra. Here, we have used LCModel to fit mean spectra and corresponding variability components of childhood cerebellar tumors, as calculated using principal component analysis, and assessed for classification accuracy. Classification was performed according to the highest estimated tumor proportion. This m...
Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine - August 10, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Raschke F, Davies NP, Wilson M, Peet AC, Howe FA Tags: Magn Reson Med Source Type: research

Cauda equina paraganglioma with ependymoma-like histology: a case report.
Abstract Paraganglioma affecting the cauda equina region is very rare and can be misinterpreted as an ependymoma which is more common at this site. A 38-year-old woman with a paraganglioma in the cauda equina is presented. MRI revealed a well-circumscribed, intradural, extramedullary tumor nodule with the dimensions of 2.5x1x1 cm. The patient underwent L3 laminectomy and total excision of the tumor. The tumor was diagnosed as ependymoma and the patient was decided to undergo adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient applied to our medical center for a second opinion. Histopathologically, her tumor was found ...
Source: Turkish Neurosurgery - August 4, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Midi A, Yener AN, Sav A, Cubuk R Tags: Turk Neurosurg Source Type: research

Holocord ependymoma.
We report the sixth case of holocord ependymoma. In this article, we present a case of holocord ependymoma in a 19-year-old girl which was totally resected in a two-stage approach. A two-staged operation is recommended for the aim of total resection for this disease. Besides, cysts are common feature of all spinal ependymomas. There was a solid mass not accompanied by a cyst a any level in our patient's tumor. To the authors' best knowledge, a pure solid mass not accompanied by a cyst has not been previously reported with holocord ependymoma cases. PMID: 22437304 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Turkish Neurosurgery)
Source: Turkish Neurosurgery - August 4, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Gunes HF, Ozdemir N Tags: Turk Neurosurg Source Type: research

[Minimally invasive approach of extramedullary intradural spinal tumours. Review of 30 cases.]
CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the microsurgical unilateral approach is a safe and effective technique for the resection of most extramedullary, intradural spinal tumours. PMID: 22871355 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurocirugia)
Source: Neurocirugia - August 4, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: González Martínez EL, García-Cosamalón PJ, Fernández Fernández JJ, Ibáñez-Plágaro FJ, Alvarez B Tags: Neurocirugia (Astur) Source Type: research

Proton therapy dose distribution comparison between Monte Carlo and a treatment planning system for pediatric patients with ependymoma.
Conclusions: Overall, the MC system and TPS gave similar results for field width, the 20% distal edge, and the target coverage. For the 80% distal edge and lateral penumbra, there was slight disagreement; however, the difference was less than 2 mm and occurred primarily in highly heterogeneous areas. These differences highlight that the TPS dose calculation cannot be automatically regarded as correct. PMID: 22894399 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medical Physics)
Source: Medical Physics - August 1, 2012 Category: Physics Authors: Jia Y, Beltran C, Indelicato DJ, Flampouri S, Li Z, Merchant TE Tags: Med Phys Source Type: research

Predictors of Survival among Pediatric and Adult Ependymoma Cases: A Study Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Data from 1973 to 2007
Neuroepidemiology 2012;39:116–124 (DOI:10.1159/000339320) (Source: Neuroepidemiology)
Source: Neuroepidemiology - July 27, 2012 Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research

Cryoablation of Recurrent Sacrococcygeal Tumors
Conclusions: Limited results suggest cryoablation to be a safe and relatively effective means of treating recurrent sacrococcygeal neoplasms for local control or palliation of pain in this small series with short-term follow-up. (Source: Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR)
Source: Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR - July 25, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Anil Nicholas Kurup, David A. Woodrum, Jonathan M. Morris, Thomas D. Atwell, Grant D. Schmit, Timothy J. Welch, Michael J. Yaszemski, Matthew R. Callstrom Source Type: research

Myxopapillary Ependymoma of the Sacrococcygeal Region Presenting as a Pilonidal Sinus
Pediatr Neurosurg (DOI:10.1159/000339454) (Source: Pediatric Neurosurgery)
Source: Pediatric Neurosurgery - July 20, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research

The role of insulin‐like growth factors signaling in merlin‐deficient human schwannomas
AbstractLoss of the tumor suppressor merlin causes development of the tumors of the nervous system, such as schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas occurring spontaneously or as part of a hereditary disease Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Current therapies, (radio) surgery, are not always effective. Therefore, there is a need for drug treatments for these tumors. Schwannomas are the most frequent of merlin‐deficient tumors and are hallmark for NF2. Using our in vitro human schwannoma model, we demonstrated that merlin‐deficiency leads to increased proliferation, cell–matrix adhesion, and survival. Increased prolife...
Source: Glia - July 20, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Sylwia Ammoun, M. Caroline Schmid, Natalia Ristic, Lu Zhou, David Hilton, Emanuela Ercolano, Camille Carroll, C. Oliver Hanemann Tags: Original Article Source Type: research