Ependymoma:
A Comprehensive Guide
For Pediatric Cancer
Ependymoma:
A Comprehensive Guide
For Pediatric Cancer
Ependymoma:
A Comprehensive
Guide For
Pediatric Cancer
What is Pediatric Ependymoma?
Pediatric ependymoma, a rare and formidable medical condition that primarily afflicts children and adolescents, presents a complex medical challenge for patients, families, and healthcare providers alike. Originating from ependymal cells lining the fluid-filled spaces of the brain and spinal cord, this type of tumor can be particularly distressing for young patients and their caregivers upon diagnosis. Moreover, as the tumor grows and spreads, it exerts pressure on surrounding tissues, thereby affecting the normal functioning of the brain or spinal cord.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the most critical aspects of pediatric ependymoma, examining its symptoms, diagnosis, outlook, and treatment options.
There are several subtypes of ependymoma and each has different characteristics and treatment options. The types of pediatric ependymoma typically include:
- Subependymoma (Grade I; rarer in children)
- Myxopapillary ependymoma (Grade I)
- Ependymoma (Grade II)
- RELA fusion–positive ependymoma (Grade II or Grade III)
- Anaplastic ependymoma (Grade III)
Examining the grade of a tumor is crucial, as it describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope. It also predicts the likelihood of the tumor’s growth and spread. Notably, low-grade (grade I) cancer cells bear a closer resemblance to normal cells compared to their high-grade counterparts (grade II and III). Furthermore, the growth and spread of grade I cancer cells tend to be slower than that of grade II and III cancer cells.
How Common is Pediatric Epenymoma?
- Ependymoma, a relatively rare type of brain tumor, constitutes approximately 5% of all pediatric brain tumors. While it can manifest at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in children under 5 years old. Notably, boys are slightly more predisposed to developing ependymoma than girls.
What is the Prognosis for Pediatric Epenymoma?
- The five-year survival rate for pediatric ependymoma is approximately 70-80%. However, it is crucial to recognize that survival rates can vary widely, contingent upon the specific characteristics of the tumor and the individual circumstances of the child.
What are the Symptoms of Pediatric Ependymoma?
- The symptoms of pediatric ependymoma can exhibit variations based on the location and size of the tumor. However, certain common symptoms include headaches, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, weakness or numbness, and/or balance problems.
Diagnosis & Grading
Diagnosing ependymoma typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, and a biopsy to examine the tumor tissue under a microscope. The biopsy can help determine the tumor’s subtype and grade, which can guide treatment decisions.
Pediatric ependymoma can be classified based on where in the brain the tumor is located and whether it has spread, and this grading system is as follows:
- Grade 1: low grade tumors. This means the tumor cells grow slowly, and the subtypes include subependymoma and myxopapillary, which usually occur in the spine.
- Grade 2: low grade tumors and can occur in either the brain or the spine.
- Grade 3: malignant (cancerous) and fast-growing tumors, and the subtypes include anaplastic ependymomas.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Ependymoma
The treatment of pediatric ependymoma is highly individualized and hinges on several crucial factors, such as the tumor’s location, size, grade, and the child’s overall health. In navigating this complex landscape, parents and caregivers can engage in meaningful discussions with their child’s healthcare provider to explore various options. These may encompass:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to combat cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery and radiation therapy, depending on the tumor’s characteristics.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to battle cancer cells. It may be used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. For very young children, particularly those under the age of three, radiation therapy may be delayed or avoided if possible due to the potential risks to developing brain tissue.
Surgery: Surgical resection is typically the primary treatment for ependymoma. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as safely as possible without causing additional neurological deficits. In some cases, the tumor may be in a location that makes complete removal difficult, and the surgeon may perform a partial resection to relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord.
Clinical Trials: Research into pediatric ependymoma is ongoing, and some children with ependymoma may be eligible for participation in clinical trials to explore new treatments and therapies. It is essential to work with your child’s healthcare team to stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options.
Financial Resources
Support Networks
Conclusion
A diagnosis of pediatric ependymoma can be challenging for both the child and their family however, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and support networks available to help you navigate this challenging time. Key takeaways for parents of children with pediatric ependymoma include understanding the symptoms and early warning signs of ependymoma, working closely with your child’s healthcare team can help develop a treatment plan that is right for them, and accessing support networks and educational resources to help you and your child cope with the emotional and psychological effects of a cancer diagnosis. It is important to remember that as medical research continues to advance, new treatments and therapies may offer hope for improved outcomes in the future.
If a loved one has been diagnosed with Pediatric Ependymoma, it’s crucial to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider. If you have additional questions, you can contact our team.
Click here for additional information about the ReSPECT Pediatric Brain Cancer Clinical Trial.