Adult Cerebellopontine Angle Medulloblastoma: A Systematic Review
Author Information
Author(s): Balasubramanian Kishore, Kharbat Abdurrahman F., Call-Orellana Francisco, Tavakol Sherwin A., Fassina Grace R., Janssen Christopher, Bin Alamer Othman, Dunn Ian F.
Primary Institution: College of Medicine, Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
This study aims to systematically review the existing individual patient data on adult cerebellopontine angle medulloblastoma to characterize patient presentation, management strategies, and outcomes.
Conclusion
The study found that maximal safe resection followed by adjuvant therapy leads to promising survival rates in adult patients with cerebellopontine angle medulloblastoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients commonly presented with headaches (81%), cranial neuropathy (90%), cerebellar dysfunction (79%), and nausea/vomiting (50%).
- Maximal safe resection was pursued, with a gross total resection performed in 60% of cases.
- Most patients (93%) received adjuvant therapy, typically both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- The recurrence rate was low (11%) at a median of 18 months’ follow-up.
- Survival rates were 96%, 85%, and 85% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.
Takeaway
This study looked at 42 adults with a rare brain tumor called medulloblastoma and found that surgery and follow-up treatments can help many of them live longer.
Methodology
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing individual patient data from 27 studies.
Potential Biases
The critical appraisal indicated a low risk of bias for all included studies.
Limitations
The study is limited by the small sample size and potential publication bias in the literature.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 32 years, with a male predominance (64%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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