Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the spine: a comprehensive review with illustrative clinical cases

Neurosurg Focus. 2011 Jan;30(1):E1. doi: 10.3171/2010.10.FOCUS10217.

Abstract

Primary spinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are uncommon malignancies that are increasingly reported in the literature. Spinal PNETs, like their cranial counterparts, are aggressive tumors and patients with these tumors typically have short survival times despite maximal surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Because no standard management guidelines exist for treating these tumors, a multitude of therapeutic strategies have been employed with varying success. In this study the authors perform a comprehensive review of the literature on primary spinal PNETs and provide 2 new cases that highlight the salient features of their clinical management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / diagnosis*
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / pathology
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / surgery
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / pathology
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / surgery
  • Spinal Cord / pathology
  • Spinal Cord / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery