Surgery, hyperfractionated craniospinal irradiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy in the management of supratentorial embryonal neuroepithelial neoplasms in children

Supratentorial embryonal neuroepithelial tumors are undifferentiated neoplasms. We have used this term in preference to the controversial classification primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET). These lesions in children are malignant neoplasms which are usually fatal within 2 years of diagnosis in spite of therapy with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. We have adopted an aggressive approach to the treatment of these tumors with surgical resection, hyperfractionated craniospinal irradiation of 30.6-43.9 Gy followed by a tumor boost to a total dose of 50-63.7 Gy, and adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and cis-platinum. We have treated five children, aged 4-18 years, with this approach. In contrast to the results reported in the literature, four children are alive without evidence of tumor from 4.3 to 8.0 years following diagnosis. One has suffered a tumor relapse at 2.3 years following diagnosis but remains alive. The basis of our therapeutic strategy for childhood supratentorial embryonal neuroepithelial tumors and the implications of our clinical results are discussed.