Comprehensive evidence-based review of the current care of children with brain and spinal tumors

Provides a convenient distillation of the burgeoning primary literature

Puts the basic science underlying cancer development in context for the practising clinician

Encourages a child and family centred approach to care provision and service organization

Incorporates illustrative case studies as an aid to understanding

Includes tabulation of the evidence to support the efficacy, or otherwise, of each treatment modality

SummaryChildren 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

Table of ContentsPart 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 â low grade
(a) General considerations
(b) Treatment considerations by primary site and tumor dissemination
14 Astrocytic tumors â 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