Spinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are very rare tumors, and intramedullary localization is even less common. Indeed, amongst the 23 cases of the spinal PNET described in the literature, only eight cases had an intramedullary localization. Following the WHO 2000 classification, PNETs have been considered embryonal tumors composed of undifferentiated neuroepithelial cells with a capacity of differentiation into different cellular lines, such as astrocytic, ependymal, melanotic and muscular. They have been considered to arise from a neoplastic transformation of primitive neuroepithelial cells, thereby making their presence possible in any part of the central nervous system. The optimal treatment for these malignant tumors is not yet clear, although, over the years, radiotherapy has been considered the best treatment for spinal PNETs. The described case is that of a 38-year-old man with a primary intra-extramedullary PNET, treated by laminectomy, open biopsy and chemotherapy. The patient, 18 months after the onset of his symptomatology, died without cerebral tumor involvement.

Central neurocytomas are low grade tumours usually located in the lateral ventricles next to Monro foramina. This paper reviews the literature on central neurocytomas observed in the last few years and discusses their clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and genetic characteristics. Important correlations between therapeutic strategies and biological findings as well as new genetic discoveries are also discussed. Two illustrative cases in which the authors report preliminary results about molecular analysis of some genetic markers are described.

It is well known that radiation can induce meningiomas. These tumors usually arise in patients with a history of low-dose radiation to the scalp for treatment of tinea capitis or high-dose radiation for a previous brain tumor. Radiation-associated meningiomas (RAMs) morphologically resemble their spontaneously arising counterparts. However, RAMs frequently present a more malignant phenotype and, as such, are diagnosed as "atypical" or "aggressive" meningiomas and occur predominantly in younger patients. This paper describes six cases of radiation-associated intracranial meningiomas in patients previously treated with low-dose radiation to the scalp for tinea capitis.

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Brain involvement from ovarian cancer is uncommon but is increasing in incidence. Although the prognosis is usually poor, a multimodal approach can result in a long-term remission of the metastases and in an improvement of the overall survival.