Medulloblastoma: Prognosis, Survival, and Life Expectancy in Childhood Brain Tumors

The medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in the pediatric population, representing a significant challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Over the years, advances in the molecular understanding of these tumors have allowed for better classification and, consequently, a more precise approach to their treatment. This article explores the medulloblastoma prognosis and the survival of affected pediatric patients, highlighting the factors that influence childhood brain tumor life expectancy.

Advances in Understanding and Treating Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma has been the subject of intense studies that have revealed its molecular heterogeneity, allowing for the identification of four main subgroups: WNT, SHH, group 3, and group 4. Each of these subgroups presents distinct clinical and biological characteristics, which directly influence the medulloblastoma prognosis and survival. For example, patients with WNT subgroup tumors have an excellent prognosis, with five-year survival rates reaching 100% [1]. In contrast, patients in group 3, especially those with metastatic disease, face a more challenging prognosis [2].

The integration of molecular classification into clinical trials has enabled more precise risk stratification, leading to more personalized treatments. A recent study demonstrated that intensifying therapy with carboplatin improved event-free survival in children with high-risk group 3 medulloblastoma [3]. Additionally, the incorporation of targeted therapies and the reduction of radiotherapy in certain subgroups have shown to improve quality of life and reduce long-term sequelae [4].

Conclusions and Future Perspectives

The prognosis of medulloblastoma has significantly improved thanks to advances in molecular understanding and personalized treatment strategies. However, challenges remain, especially in managing recurrent and metastatic disease. Ongoing research into the biology of medulloblastoma and the development of new targeted therapies are essential to further improve medulloblastoma survival and the quality of life for patients. International collaboration and access to extensive molecular databases are crucial for advancing this field [5].

Referencias

• [1] Efficacy of Carboplatin and Isotretinoin in Children With High-risk Medulloblastoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial From the Children's Oncology Group
• [2] Medulloblastoma in the age of molecular subgroups: a review
• [3] Sustained Survival Benefit in Recurrent Medulloblastoma by a Metronomic Antiangiogenic Regimen: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
• [4] Pediatric brain tumors
• [5] Advancing presurgical non-invasive molecular subgroup prediction in medulloblastoma using artificial intelligence and MRI signatures

Created 14/1/2025