Brain metastasis in pediatric extracranial solid tumors: survey and literature review

Abstract

Children with metastatic cancer who develop headaches or any other neurologic symptom should be investigated for possible brain metastasis. Although, the outcome for these patients is dismal in this series and in the literature; reports of long term survival in a few cases with Wilms' tumor, osteosarcoma and alveolar soft part sarcoma who had isolated brain metastasis, suggest that a subset of patients may benefit from therapy.

Survival of Brain Metastatic Patients in Yazd, Iran

“…For example mean age of breast cancer patients in our country is 47.1 year that about 10 years lesser than the patients of developed countries (Harirchi et al, 2000). As we showed in Figure 2 in children and young adults, sarcoma is the most common primary tumor that metastasis to the brain such as that showed by Kebudi et al (2005). On the other hand in elderly patients lung cancer is the most common primary.…”

Prognostic factors in soft-tissue sarcomas: what have we learnt?

“…For example, synovial sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and epithelioid sarcoma are known for their increased incidence of lymphatic spread [31,32]. Alveolar softpart sarcoma has a predilection for the brain [33][34][35]. It has "…10% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis, while a further 25% of patients with localized disease subsequently develop distant spread.…”

Unexpected Intraparenchymal Hematoma Caused by Brain Metastasis in a Patient With Neuroblastoma -Case Report-

“…15) The imaging method recommended for detecting CNS metastasis is brain CT or MR imaging. 18) In our case, [ 123 I]MIBG scintigraphy helped to establish the diagnosis of CNS metastasis after the tumor size increased. However, the ability of MIBG to predict CNS metastasis is less clear.…”

“…18) Intracranial involvement is generally considered to be confined to the dura and leptomeninges, with parenchymal disease usually attributed to direct extension from the adjacent skull or dura. 1,4,10,18) Consequently, true intraparenchymal brain metastasis is more uncommon. In the present case, intraparenchymal brain metastasis occurred without evidence of bone or dural metastasis, Intraparenchymal Hematoma Caused by Metastatic Neuroblastoma based on the intraoperative findings.…”

“…18) However, lumbar puncture performed at the time of diagnosis is a significant risk factor for the subsequent development of CNS metastasis, so is not recommended for detection of CNS metastasis or to establish a diagnosis. 19,23) The improved survival for patients with neuroblastoma achieved by improved treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery may result in increased incidence of CNS metastasis.…”