Peripheral medulloepithelioma: a rare tumor with a potential target therapy

J Transl Med. 2014 Feb 21:12:49. doi: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-49.

Abstract

Background: Medulloepithelioma (ME) is a rare embryonal tumor predominantly located in the eye or in the central nervous system without an established treatment.

Case presentation: We report of a case of a localized peripheral ME treated with conventional and high dose chemotherapy, surgery and local radiotherapy. At relapse, the tumor tissue revealed a different molecular signature compared to the initial tumor mass. This molecular signature revealed a high expression of platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). Sorafenib plus irinotecan and temozolomide was started with a 5 month progression free survival.

Conclusion: Our experience suggests a possible role of sorafenib or different PDGFR inhibitors in ME. Targeting treatment could represent an adjuvant and/or alternative therapy for ME and other rare tumors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / drug therapy*
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed