Background and purpose: Medulloblastoma is a malignant neuro-ectodermal tumor classically considered as a pediatric tumor. Adult medulloblastoma is rare. This low incidence results in a lack of data concerning the management of treatment. We report our experience and propose a review of the literature to clarify the main therapeutic options that are nowadays suggested.
Methods: We reviewed 22 adult patients treated for cerebellar medulloblastoma between 1979 and 1999. Actuarial relapse-free and overall survival were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognosis factors were studied by Log- Rank test.
Results: The five years relapse free and overall survival rates were respectively 63.1% and 81.3%. These rates are superior to those reported in the literature. None of the studied factors (age, gender, histological subtype, total or partial surgery, presence of a CSF derivation device, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) were significantly associated to remission or survival. However our statistical results should be interpreted with caution in this small population.
Conclusion: Adult medulloblastoma prognosis seems to improve since chemotherapy has been introduced in the therapeutic protocols. Prospective and multicentric studies should determine the exact pattern of treatment.