Clinicopathological features of medulloblastoma: an overview with an emphasis on molecular biology

Clin Neuropathol. 2007 May-Jun;26(3):93-110. doi: 10.5414/npp26093.

Abstract

Medulloblastoma is a malignant, invasive embryonal tumor of the cerebellum with preferential manifestation in children, predominantly neuronal differentiation and an inherent tendency to metastasize via CSF pathways. In this review we present an overview of the clinicopathological aspects of medulloblastoma and the recent developments in the biology and genetics of these embryonal brain tumors. Increased knowledge of the signaling pathways that play a role in normal cerebellum development and tumor formation may lead to new therapeutic approaches resulting in a higher cure rate and a better quality of life of medulloblastoma patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / genetics
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma / genetics
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology*
  • Medulloblastoma / therapy
  • Signal Transduction