A female survivor of childhood medulloblastoma presenting with growth-hormone-induced edema and inflammatory lesions: a case report
2009

Growth Hormone Therapy and Inflammation in a Child with Medulloblastoma

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Veronica Biassoni, Federica Pallotti, Filippo Spreafico, Ettore Seregni, Lorenza Gandola, Antonella Martinetti, Emilio Bombardieri, Maura Massimino

Primary Institution: Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori

Hypothesis

Does growth hormone replacement therapy exacerbate inflammatory lesions in children treated for medulloblastoma?

Conclusion

The case suggests a strong association between growth hormone administration and the exacerbation of inflammatory reactions within the tumor bed.

Supporting Evidence

  • Growth hormone deficiency is common after craniospinal irradiation for medulloblastoma.
  • Growth hormone therapy does not increase the risk of tumor recurrence.
  • Inflammatory lesions were exacerbated during growth hormone therapy and improved after its suspension.

Takeaway

A girl who had brain cancer and received growth hormone treatment developed swelling and inflammation, which got better when the treatment was stopped.

Methodology

Case report detailing the patient's treatment and MRI findings over time.

Limitations

The findings are based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

7-year-old girl with a history of metastatic medulloblastoma.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-3-17

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication