Pineoblastoma treatment usually involves surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Additional treatments also may be recommended.
Surgery to relieve fluid buildup in the brain
A pineoblastoma may grow big enough to block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This puts pressure on the brain. An operation can redirect the fluid through a drain or tube. This helps relieve the pressure. This procedure may be done at the same time as a biopsy or surgery to remove the pineoblastoma.
Surgery to remove the pineoblastoma
A brain surgeon, also called a neurosurgeon, works to remove as much of the pineoblastoma as possible. Sometimes all of the cancer can’t be removed. This is because pineoblastoma forms near important structures deep inside the brain. More treatments after surgery are usually needed. These treatments target the remaining cells.
Radiation therapy for pineoblastoma
Radiation therapy treats cancer with powerful energy beams. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. During radiation therapy, a machine directs beams to the brain and spinal cord. Extra radiation is directed at the cancer cells.
Radiation is often given to the entire brain and spinal cord. This is because the cancer cells can spread from the brain to other parts of the central nervous system. This treatment is often recommended for adults and children older than age 3.
Chemotherapy for pineoblastoma
Chemotherapy treats cancer with strong medicines. For pineoblastoma, chemotherapy is usually used after surgery or radiation therapy. Sometimes it’s used at the same time as radiation therapy. For larger pineoblastomas, chemotherapy may be used before surgery. This might shrink the cancer and make it easier to remove.
Radiosurgery for pineoblastoma
Stereotactic radiosurgery focuses multiple beams of radiation on exact points to kill cancer cells. Radiosurgery is sometimes used to treat pineoblastoma that comes back after treatment.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are studies of new treatments. These studies offer a chance to try the latest treatment options. Side effects from these treatments may not be known. Ask your child’s healthcare professional whether your child might be able to participate in a clinical trial.
