Genetic expression profiles of adult and pediatric ependymomas: molecular pathways, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets.

Ependymomas are tumors that can present within either the intracranial or spinal regions. While 90% of all pediatric ependymomas are intracranial, spinal cord ependymomas are more commonly found in patients 20-40 years old. Treatment for spinal lesions has achieved local control rates up to 100% following gross total resection, while pediatric intracranial tumors have 40-60% mortality.

An analysis of intracranial epidermoid tumors with malignant transformation: treatment and outcomes.

Objective: While typically benign, epidermoid tumors upon rare occasion can undergo malignant transformation, which carries a poor prognosis. Here, we reviewed treatment strategies and analyzed outcomes for every case of malignant epidermoid tumor reported since its original description in 1912.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review identified all reported cases of malignant transformation of intracranial epidermoid tumor.

Passive immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

This review provides historical and recent perspectives related to passive immunotherapy for high-grade gliomas. The authors discuss approaches that use lymphokine-activated killer cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and monoclonal antibodies.

Endogenous vaults and bioengineered vault nanoparticles for treatment of glioblastomas: implications for future targeted therapies.

Endogenous vaults are ribonucleoproteins expressed throughout various cell types and across numerous species. Several central nervous system (CNS) tumors have been reported to exhibit high levels of major vault protein (MVP). The vault has been hypothesized to play a role in cellular transport.

Chromosomal alterations, prognostic factors, and targeted molecular therapies for malignant meningiomas.

Meningiomas are the second most common intracranial neoplasm in adults and originate from arachnoidal cap cells. Malignant meningiomas are resistant to conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Unlike benign meningiomas, atypical and anaplastic tumors generally display more complex karyotypes associated with aggressive behavior.