Children with brain and spinal tumors account for 20-25% of childhood cancers. Until the early 1990s there had been little progress in the development of new treatments, and outcomes were not improving despite advances seen in other childhood cancers. During the past 10 years, however, there has been a dramatic increase in interest in the subject among pediatric specialists worldwide, and new multi-disciplinary teams have become established. There are encouraging early signs of improvement in outcomes, and more are anticipated. The appearance of this comprehensive, but practical, evidence-based review of brain and spinal tumors in children is therefore very timely. The content includes detailed coverage of the diagnosis, clinical management, after care and monitoring, and underlying biology of brain and spinal tumors in children. International in approach, it draws on the experience of the European Childhood Brain Tumour Committee, linked to the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, and various multi-centre clinical trials to reflect the various approaches to management that have arisen around the world.
Indice testuale
Part 1. Introduction 1 Introduction 2 The historical basis of neuro-oncology Part 2. Epidemiology 3 Epidemiology 4 Biology (a) Neuroembryology (b) Tumor biology 5 Pathology and molecular classification Part 3. Diagnosis and treatment planning 6 Clinical syndromes 7 Diagnostic imaging 8 Clinical trials Part 4. Treatment techniques and neurotoxicities 9 Neurosurgical techniques 10 Radiotherapy techniques 11 Neuropsychological outcome 12 Drug delivery Part 5. Disease-specific multi-disciplinary management 13 Astrocytic tumors a " low grade (a) General considerations (b) Treatment considerations by primary site and tumor dissemination 14 Astrocytic tumors a " high grade 15 Brain stem tumors 16 Embryonic tumors 17 Ependymal tumors 18 Germ cell tumors (a) Germ cell tumors of the central nervous system (b) A commentary 19 Infant brain tumors 20 Craniopharyngioma 21 Intradural spinal tumors 22 Rare tumors 23 Exploiting biology for therapeutic gain Part 6. Late consequences & supportive care 24 Toxicity and late effects 25 Physical care, rehabilitation and complementary therapies 26 Cognitive development and educational rehabilitation 27 Quality of life 28 Information needs for children and families 29 Future challenges
