Impact of Molecular Classification on Prognosis in Pediatric Spinal Ependymoma
Author Information
Author(s): Lara Engertsberger, Martin Benesch, Martin Mynarek, Svenja Tonn, Denise Obrecht-Sturm, Thomas Perwein, Martina Stickan-Verfürth, Angela Funk, Beate Timmermann, Michael Bockmayr, Alicia Eckhardt, Alexander Claviez, Rolf-Dieter Kortmann, Markus J Riemenschneider, Torsten Pietsch, Brigitte Bison, Monika Warmuth-Metz, Kristian W Pajtler, Stefan Rutkowski, Ulrich Schüller
Primary Institution: Medical University of Graz, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University Hospital Essen, University Hospital Magdeburg, University of Leipzig, Regensburg University Hospital, University of Bonn Medical Center, University Hospital Würzburg
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of molecular typing on pediatric spinal cord ependymomas.
Conclusion
Molecular typing of pediatric spinal ependymomas aids in identifying very high-risk MYCN-amplified ependymomas.
Supporting Evidence
- 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 100% and 86%, respectively.
- 5-year progression-free survival was 65%, while 10-year progression-free survival was 54%.
- MYCN-amplification was associated with early relapses and death in patients.
Takeaway
Doctors can use special tests to figure out what type of spinal tumors kids have, which helps them understand how serious the tumors might be.
Methodology
The study included 83 patients with spinal ependymomas registered in the HIT-MED database, analyzing clinical and DNA methylation data.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and reliance on existing data.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may have selection bias due to the limited number of patients in some subgroups.
Participant Demographics
Median age at diagnosis was 13.7 years, with 60% male and 40% female participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
.64
Confidence Interval
[54–77]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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