Medulloblastoma: What is the role of molecular genetics?

Natacha Entz-Werle, Emilie De Carli, Stéphane Ducassou, Michèle Legrain, Jacques Grill, Christelle Dufour

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Among pediatric malignancies, medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the CNS. In the past few years, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach including surgery; chemo- and radiation therapy, survival has significantly improved. Despite that, a third of patients still have a low chance of being cured and long-term survivors experience severe treatment-related sequelae. MBs are usually classified according to a clinical risk stratification, based on histological features, age at diagnosis, extent of tumor resection and presence or absence of metastases. However, these clinical variables have recently been reported to be poor for defining risk-related disease. Retrospective studies have identified histological or biological factors that have distinct roles in prognosis. As several pathways have been discovered to be involved in MB pathogenesis, they should be taken into account to more accurately stratify patients and their treatment and to develop innovative therapies.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1169-1181
    Number of pages13
    JournalExpert Review of Anticancer Therapy
    Volume8
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 7 Nov 2008

    Keywords

    • Medulloblastoma
    • Molecular genetics
    • Pathways
    • Prognosis
    • Treatment

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