New chemotherapy strategies and biological agents in the treatment of childhood ependymoma

Childs Nerv Syst. 2009 Oct;25(10):1275-82. doi: 10.1007/s00381-009-0809-7. Epub 2009 Feb 11.

Abstract

Introduction: With the limited role of current treatment regimens and potential associated side effects of radiation in young children with ependymoma, considerable effort is being focused on new chemotherapeutic strategies and biologic agents.

Discussion and conclusion: Identification of those molecular changes underlying the development of ependymoma may, in time, lead to the development of not only novel therapeutic agents, but also specific patient-tailored therapies directed against known cell-signaling pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ependymoma / drug therapy*
  • Ependymoma / metabolism
  • Ependymoma / therapy
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • Bevacizumab
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Gefitinib