Medulloblastoma Treatment by Risk Group

In general, medulloblastoma treatment by risk group can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion. The type of medulloblastoma, the size and location of the tumor, the specific medulloblastoma risk group, and the patient's age and general health all play a role in determining medulloblastoma treatment by risk group.

 

Medulloblastoma Treatment by Risk Group: An Overview

Medulloblastoma treatment options vary based on:
 
In general, medulloblastoma treatment options can include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cerebrospinal fluid diversion.
     
Specific medulloblastoma risk groups for untreated medulloblastoma include average risk and poor risk. Untreated childhood medulloblastoma is a tumor for which no treatment has been given. If the medulloblastoma has returned, it is called recurrent medulloblastoma.
 
Average Risk Medulloblastoma
Standard treatment for average risk childhood medulloblastoma may include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy to the brain and spinal cord, with or without chemotherapy
  • A clinical trial of new combinations of radiation therapy and chemotherapy for children 3 years and older.
     
Poor Risk Medulloblastoma
Standard treatment for poor risk childhood medulloblastoma may include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy to the brain and spinal cord
  • Chemotherapy.
     
Standard treatment for childhood medulloblastoma in children younger than 3 years of age may include:
 
  • Surgery, with or without chemotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy, with or without chemotherapy.
     
Recurrent Childhood Medulloblastoma
Standard treatment for recurrent childhood medulloblastoma may include surgery, with or without chemotherapy.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD