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Radiation therapy
Source: Childhood Medulloblastoma and Other Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 11, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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Context: Treatment of Recurrent Childhood Medulloblastoma and Other CNS Embryonal Tumors / Treatment Options
Patients with recurrent embryonal tumors who have already received radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be candidates for further radiation therapy depending on the site and dose of previous radiation. Treatment may include reirradiation at the primary tumor site, focal areas of radiation therapy to sites of disseminated disease, and craniospinal irradiation (CSI).[13,14] However, long-term survival has been observed in a subset of patients who received chemotherapy alone at the time of diagnosis and had local relapse. This finding was primarily noted in young children with SHH-activated disease.[8,15] In most cases, such therapy is palliative. Stereotactic radiation therapy and/or salvage chemotherapy can also be used.[16] For more information, see the Chemotherapy section.
One retrospective study reported the outcomes of infants and young children with relapsed medulloblastoma who were initially treated in a variety of different chemotherapy clinical trials without CSI.[8]
Source links and citations
One retrospective study reported the outcomes of infants and young children with relapsed medulloblastoma who were initially treated in a variety of different chemotherapy clinical trials without CSI.[8]
At the time of relapse, 73% of these children were treated with CSI-based regimens.
One retrospective study reported the outcomes of infants and young children with relapsed medulloblastoma who were initially treated in a variety of different chemotherapy clinical trials without CSI.[8]
The 3-year postrelapse survival rate was 52.4% for patients treated with curative intent.
One retrospective study reported the outcomes of infants and young children with relapsed medulloblastoma who were initially treated in a variety of different chemotherapy clinical trials without CSI.[8]
The 3-year postrelapse survival rates for children with SHH, group 3, and group 4 medulloblastoma who received salvage radiation therapy were 61%, 40%, and 79%, respectively. Patients with SHH disease were less likely to receive salvage radiation therapy.
One retrospective study reported the outcomes of infants and young children with relapsed medulloblastoma who were initially treated in a variety of different chemotherapy clinical trials without CSI.[8]
Older age at diagnosis, local relapse, and the SHH infant subtype were associated with better postrelapse survival.
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice