Radiation-induced gliomas in 2 pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: case study and summary of the literature.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder that predisposes patients to the formation of sporadic tumors and also increases the risk of radiation-induced malignancies. The most commonly described radiation-induced tumor in NF1 patients is a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. We present 2 children with NF1 who received radiation therapy and subsequently developed high-grade gliomas. We then review the current literature on radiation-induced tumors in NF1 patients. Although radiation may be the most appropriate therapy in specific situations for children with NF1, the secondary tumor risk should be carefully considered.