Radiotherapy results of adult ependymoma

OBJECTIVES: Adult intracranial ependymomas constitute 2-5% of all intracranial tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative results and prognostic factors. METHODS: Twenty-one patients over the age of 18 who received radiotherapy in our department between 1996 and 2009 were retrospectively evaluated.RESULTS: The median progression-free survival time was 110 months. Two-, five- and 10-year progression-free survival rates were 80%, 66% and 66%, respectively. The median overall survival time was 124 months. Two-, five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 92%, 73% and 73%, respectively. The negative prognostic factors affecting progression and overall survival were >15 cm3 tumor volume and removal of the mass with subtotal resection and biopsy. CONCLUSION: As a result of our study, the prognostic significance of surgical extension and tumor volume were shown in adult ependymoma patients. However, our results should be verified by studies with large numbers of patients.