What Is Medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. This type of tumor develops in the cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, which is responsible for balance and coordination. In about one-third of cases, the cancer cells can spread to other areas of the brain or spinal cord. Most cases are diagnosed in children under the age of 10.
Signs and Symptoms
Medulloblastoma often blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, causing fluid buildup and increased pressure in the skull. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Frequent headaches
- Morning vomiting
- Low energy or excessive sleepiness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty walking or clumsiness due to impaired coordination
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
How Is This Cancer Type Diagnosed?
Medulloblastoma is typically identified using imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI of the brain. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors perform a biopsy or surgical removal of the tumor. A pathologist then examines the sample under a microscope to determine if it is medulloblastoma, another type of childhood brain cancer, or a benign (non-cancerous) tumor.
Medulloblastoma cells, Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Treatment Options for Medulloblastoma in Children
The treatment plan depends on whether the tumor has spread (metastasized).
- Localized Medulloblastoma: Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy to target remaining cancer cells.
- Medulloblastoma in Children Under 3: Younger children often avoid radiation therapy due to severe long-term side effects. Instead, doctors use more intensive chemotherapy.
- Metastatic Medulloblastoma: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are still used, but metastatic medulloblastoma is harder to treat and typically has a poorer prognosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving outcomes.
How Research Is Advancing Medulloblastoma Treatment
In recent years, research has transformed how we understand and treat medulloblastoma. Once thought to be a single disease, scientists now know there are multiple subtypes, each with unique genetic mutations and characteristics. So, molecular testing must be done to get the correct diagnosis and determine the best treatment.
This breakthrough has allowed researchers to develop subgroup-specific therapies, moving away from the outdated “one-size-fits-all” approach. Researchers are also investigating advanced treatments, including:
- Targeted Therapies: Small molecule inhibitors that target cancer-specific genetic changes.
- Immunotherapy: Treatments that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, a promising area of study.
These innovations aim to improve survival rates while minimizing side effects, especially for growing children.
Support Childhood Brain Cancer Research
Ongoing research is crucial to improving the lives of children with cancer. By understanding how this cancer overcomes the immune system, scientists hope to unlock new, more effective treatments.
Donate now and help support research into better treatments for kids with cancer.
Learn about one of our recent Research Outcomes:
Dramatic Progress for Medulloblastoma Patients
