Adult's Medulloblastoma

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Medulloblastoma are a highly malignant tumor of the central nervous system, very frequent in the childhood, but remains rare in adulthood. This study aims to analyze the frequency, clinical and therapeutic aspects of adults medulloblastomas. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from the record of adult’s patients treated for medulloblastoma between between January 2000 and December 2015 in in the Radiation oncology department of the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center. Results: The average age was 27,96 years (Range: 20-53 years). The sex ratio M/F was 4 with a clear male predominance. The most common symptom was intracranial hypertension, which was present in 22 patients, followed by headaches and cerebellar syndrome which were present in 9 patients. The tumor was mostly located in the cerebellar hemispheres with an average size of 5,75 cm. One patient had pulmonary metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-four patients had a surgical resection. Complete resection was performed in 13 patients. Thus, twenty-one patients have received craniospinal irradiation with a dose of 36 Gy followed by a boost in the posterior fossa with a total dose of 54-56 Gy. Twelve patients have received Chemotherapy. Six patients are still alive. Survival rates were 50% at 3 years, 35% at 5 years, and 30% at 10 years. Conclusion: Medulloblastoma is a devastating disease with a bad prognosis. The clinical presentation is variable and the management is multidisciplinary. Radiotherapy treatment with or without Chemotherapy play an important role in the control of the disease and recurrences avoidance. Our study illustrates the importance of treatment by radiation.