Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment of many pediatric brain tumors and has different mechanisms of action. It may be used to stabilize the disease, reduce radiation dose, as well as delay or eliminate the need for radiation therapy. For several tumor types, chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival. Chemotherapy agents used in pediatric brain tumors include alkylators, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and plant alkaloids. Temozolomide and bevacizumab are among the newer therapies that are being used for the therapy of pediatric brain tumors. The clinical use and acute toxicities of commonly used chemotherapy agents are discussed. Finally, intrathecal and intra-Ommaya therapies aimed at overcoming the blood-brain barrier are also reviewed.