Malignant cerebellar astrocytoma developing 15 years after radiation therapy for a medulloblastoma

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 1998 Mar;100(1):56-9. doi: 10.1016/s0303-8467(97)00122-4.

Abstract

A case of malignant cerebellar astrocytoma occurring 15 years after the radiation therapy for a medulloblastoma is reported. The tumor developed at the same site of irradiation after a sufficient latent period and was completely different from medulloblastoma in its histology. This tumor fulfilled the criteria of radiation-induced neoplasm. Only seven similar cases have been reported up to the present. Whole neuraxis irradiation following a gross total resection is a standard treatment for medulloblastoma, but the possibility of the development of radiation-induced tumors must be borne in mind for a long time after the radiation therapy for medulloblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / etiology*
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / etiology
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Child
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / etiology*
  • Time Factors