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New chemotherapy strategies and biological agents in the treatment of childhood ependymoma

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Abstract

Introduction

With the limited role of current treatment regimens and potential associated side effects of radiation in young children with ependymoma, considerable effort is being focused on new chemotherapeutic strategies and biologic agents.

Discussion and conclusion

Identification of those molecular changes underlying the development of ependymoma may, in time, lead to the development of not only novel therapeutic agents, but also specific patient-tailored therapies directed against known cell-signaling pathways.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neuro Oncology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mailstop 260, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA

    Karen D. Wright & Amar Gajjar

  2. Department of Oncology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mailstop 260, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA

    Karen D. Wright & Amar Gajjar

  3. Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mailstop 260, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA

    Karen D. Wright

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  1. Karen D. Wright
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Correspondence to Karen D. Wright.

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Supported in part by the National Cancer Institute (grant CA 21765), Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (MACC), The Noyes Brain Tumor Foundation, The Ryan McGhee Foundation, and by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC).

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Wright, K.D., Gajjar, A. New chemotherapy strategies and biological agents in the treatment of childhood ependymoma. Childs Nerv Syst 25, 1275–1282 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-009-0809-7

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