Secondary Glioblastoma Multiforme in a Child with Disseminated Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. (19th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amene, C. S.; Yeh-Nayre, L. A.; Crawford, J. R.
• Other Names: Chua D. Academic Editor.; Itami J. Academic Editor.; Ribera J. M. Academic Editor.; Yin D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in oncological medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-11-19
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/290905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6706

Abstract

Abstract : Secondary glioblastoma multiforme (sGBM) can occur after a long latency period following radiation treatment of various diseases including brain tumors, leukemia, and more benign disorders like tinea capitis. Outcomes of radiation-induced sGBM remain poor in both children and adults. We report a case of a 16-year-old girl with a history of disseminated juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma treated with chemotherapy and craniospinal radiation 9 years prior who developed sGBM in the absence of a tumor predisposition syndrome. She presented with a several-week history of headaches and no acute findings on computed tomography compared to baseline neuroimaging 3 months prior. Repeat computed tomography performed just 3 weeks later for worsening headaches revealed a new large posterior fossa tumor where pathology confirmed the diagnosis of sGBM. In spite of maximal surgical resection, reirradiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy, she died 1 year postdiagnosis. Our case highlights the potential late effects of high-dose cranial radiation, how symptomatology may precede neuroimaging findings, and the rapid formation of sGBM that mirrors that of de novo Glioblastoma Multiforme.