Cerebellar Medulloblastoma: Treatment by Irradiation of the Whole Central Nervous System

The document presents a study on treating cerebellar medulloblastoma with radiation therapy, specifically using deep roentgen rays to irradiate the entire central nervous system. The study involved 22 patients and aimed to determine the optimal radiation dose. Results indicated that a dose of 3,500 rads over five weeks was effective, but a higher dose of 4,000 rads was more beneficial for the brain, with the spinal cord requiring at least 3,500 rads. The 3-year survival rate exceeded 60%, with 5 out of 7 patients surviving beyond 5 years. Survivors were generally in good physical condition, though some had minor side effects. The study highlighted the need for surgical collaboration and careful patient management, concluding that this treatment method offers promising survival rates for cerebellar medulloblastoma.