Second re-irradiation for DIPG progression, re-considering "old strategies" with new approaches

Childs Nerv Syst. 2017 May;33(5):849-852. doi: 10.1007/s00381-017-3352-y. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Abstract

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive infiltrative glioma for which no curative therapy is available. Radiation therapy (RT) is the only potentially effective intervention in delaying tumor progression, but only transiently. At progression, re-irradiation is gaining popularity as an effective palliative therapy. However, at second progression, exclusive symptomatic treatment is usually offered. Here we report two patients with DIPG at second progression who were treated with a second re-irradiation course with good response. Importantly, treatment was well tolerated with no irradiation associated acute toxicity identified.

Keywords: DIPG; Second re-irradiation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Stem Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression*
  • Female
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Re-Irradiation / methods*