Glioblastoma after radiotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Review

Abstract

Induction of neoplasia after therapeutic irradiation is well recognized. The development of the glioblastoma has been documented less frequently in association with radiation therapy. Pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are more susceptible to radiation-induced complications than adult patients. Postradiation glioblastomas in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia have poor prognosis. Treating postradiation glioblastomas are challenging for pediatric neuro-oncologists because of their more aggressive course than primary glioblastomas. To improve survival ratios and quality of life new researches are required in this treatment field. The goal of this review is to discuss the possible risk factors for radiation-induced tumorgenesis and histopathological characteristics.