Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) Treated with Interferon-β after Surgical Removal and Irradiation: Case Report

Abstract

This case report describes an 11-year-old boy with primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), which remains the pediatric brain tumor with the worst prognosis despite combination treatment with surgery, irradiation and anti-cancer drugs. The boy was successfully treated with intratumoral administration of interferon-β (IFN-β) following surgical resection and irradiation. Two million units of IFN-β were locally administered into the post-operative cavity through the Ommaya's reservoir every two weeks after discharge. He was managed as an outpatient without serious side-effects to IFN. The patient has shown no tumor recurrence, mental retardation, or neuroendocrine impairment for over three years and has lived a normal school life with a full Karnofsky Performance Status score. The local administration of IFN-β may be warranted for maintenance therapy in children with PNET.