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

    April 1953 in “ Acta Radiologica
    E. Paterson, R. F. Farr
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    TLDR Irradiating the whole central nervous system can lead to over 50% of patients with cerebellar medulloblastoma surviving three years.
    The document discusses a treatment method for cerebellar medulloblastoma involving irradiation of the entire central nervous system, which has shown promising results. Between 1941 and 1950, 27 patients were treated, and the study reported over 50% survival at three years post-treatment. The treatment protocol included a dose of 3,500 r over five weeks or an equivalent dose of 3,000 r over three weeks, with the cerebellum receiving up to 4,000 r. The study, which confirmed 17 cases by autopsy, found a survival rate of over 60% at 3 years, with 5 out of 7 cases surviving beyond 5 years. The document highlights the importance of surgical collaboration, patient management variations based on age and health, and the need to avoid excessive skin dose to prevent permanent damage.
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