Pontine Glioma
Pontine glioma are tumours that arise in the lower part of the brain stem (pons). They usually occur in children, but can also be observed in adults.
Histology of Pontine Glioma
- occur in or in the region of the pons (part of brain stem)
- in children and adolescents often pilocytic astrocytoma (Who grade I)
- in adults often diffuse (WHO grade II) or anaplastic (WHO grade III) astrocytoma
- classified as WHO-grade IV because they are difficult to treat due to locaisation
Epidemiology of Pontine Glioma
- mainly occur in first decade of life
- rarely occur in adulthood
Symptoms of Pontine Glioma
- signs of intracranial pressure (headache, emesis, vomiting)
- impaired balance
- hemiparesis
Diagnosing Pontine Glioma
- with MRI and/or CT
- no biopsy necessary, imagings are very characteristic (localisation)
- distension of pons
- diffuse growth
Therapy of Pontine Glioma
- due to localisation no surgery possible
- participation in a clinical trial (usually radio- and chemotherapy)
Therapy of Recurrent Pontine Glioma
-
participation in a clinical trial
Course of Pontine Glioma
- high tendency to recurrence
Prognosis of Pontine Glioma
- poor prognosis
- prognosis is tried to improve prognosis with therapy-optimising studies and preospective studies
