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Pathogenesis of medulloblastoma and current treatment outlook
Author(s) -
Jozwiak Jaroslaw,
Grajkowska Wieslawa,
Wlodarski Pawel
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
medicinal research reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.868
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1098-1128
pISSN - 0198-6325
DOI - 10.1002/med.20088
Subject(s) - medulloblastoma , sonic hedgehog , wnt signaling pathway , radiation therapy , medicine , pathogenesis , neuropsychology , neuroscience , psychosocial , cancer research , psychology , signal transduction , biology , cognition , genetics , psychiatry
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the cerebellum in children, with a tendency to metastasize via CSF pathway. Survival rate varies depending on several factors, but is rather favorable, with radiotherapy as the treatment of choice. Irradiation of the craniospinal axis results, however, in severe neuropsychological and psychosocial impairments pertaining to memory, attention, motor functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Precise mechanisms underlying the formation of medulloblastoma are still unclear, but implication of at least three signaling molecules is postulated: insulin‐like growth factor‐I, WNT, and Sonic hedgehog. Thanks to increasing knowledge on the cellular mechanisms contributing to tumor formation, it is possible to propose new therapies that could replace radiotherapy or allow decreasing irradiation doses. The current review presents recent developments in medulloblastoma pathophysiology research and proposed inhibitors that could constitute good candidates for further pharmacological research. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 6, 869–890, 2007